Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Simon Dale
Simon Dale

Chapter IV

Cover illustration for Simon Dale
Context Illustration Reading 1/48 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.
To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.
I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.
For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.
Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Simon Dale

Chapter IV

Reading 1/48 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.
Line 2
To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.
Line 3
I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.
Line 4
For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.
Line 5
Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

Learner Dictionary

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

Amid preposition US /əˈmɪd/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading “Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.”

Determined adjective US /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading “I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.”

FORBIDDEN adjective US /fərˈbɪd.ən/

Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.

From this reading “I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.”

Free adjective US /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading “For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.”

Gentleman noun US /ˈgentleman/

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

From this reading “I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.”

Mine pronoun US /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.”

Name noun US /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.”

Sober adjective US /ˈsoʊbər/

not affected by alcohol

From this reading “I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.”

Start noun US /start/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.”

Step noun US /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.”

Whose determiner US /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading “To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.”

All words in this reading · 136

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

abandon

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

advantage

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

afresh

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

aid

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

all

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

allowed

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

AMauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

appear

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

battle

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

behalf

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

career

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

cause

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

chagrin

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

chances

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

clear

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

Cydaria

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

debauched

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

decent

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

defending

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

degree

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

depth

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

desiring

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

despair

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

duel

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

enough

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

favour

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

fighting

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

FORBIDDENadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪd.ən/

Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

FORGET

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

freeadjectiveUS /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

gained

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

gallant

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

gay

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

higher

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

hoped

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

hurt

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

illicit

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

inn

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

insensibility

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

intentions

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

introduction

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

King's

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

lady

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

lower

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

made

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

man

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

matter

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

minepronounUS /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

more

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

namenounUS /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

new

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

night

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

offensive

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

offered

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

past

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

people

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

place

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

pleasure

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

possible

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

prey

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

pride

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

protest

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

reached

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

remembered

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

reputation

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

resolved

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

ridiculous

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

ruffler

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

sad

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

seem

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

severity

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

side

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

soberadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊbər/

not affected by alcohol

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

some

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

spite

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

staid

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

startnounUS /start/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

stepnounUS /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

summit

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

touched

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

town

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

undeservedly

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

unexpected

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

From this reading For I was resolved to abandon the aid in my career that the King's unexpected favour had offered, and start afresh for myself, free from the illicit advantage of a place gained undeservedly.

union

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

unlucky

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

virtuous

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading I thought enough on this sad side of the matter that night at the inn, and despair would have made a prey of me had I not hoped to clear myself in some degree by the step on which I had determined.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

wondering

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

worse

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

From this reading I AM FORBIDDEN TO FORGET It must be allowed that by no possible union of unlucky chances could I, desiring to appear as a staid, sober gentleman, and not as a ruffler or debauched gallant, have had a worse introduction to my new life.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading To start with a duel would have hurt me little, but a duel on such a cause and on behalf of such a lady (for I should seem to be fighting the battle of one whose name was past defending) would make my reputation ridiculous to the gay, and offensive to all the more decent people of the town.

YetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.

young

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

From this reading Yet, amid my chagrin, and in spite of my virtuous intentions, I found myself wondering that Cydaria had remembered; I will not protest that I found no pleasure in the thought; a young man whose pride was not touched by it would have reached a higher summit of severity or a lower depth of insensibility than was mine.