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Tales from Shakespeare
Tales from Shakespeare

Chapter XVI

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Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.
Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.
Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.
Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.
He then began his own history, in the following words:
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Tales from Shakespeare

Chapter XVI

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.
Line 2
Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.
Line 3
Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.
Line 4
Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.
Line 5
He then began his own history, in the following words:

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He then began his own history, in the following words:”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.”

Brought noun US /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading “Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.”

Cruel adjective US /ˈkruːəl/

causing pain or showing no kindness

From this reading “THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.”

Either determiner US /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading “Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.”

Merchant noun US /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading “THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.”

Tell noun US /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.”

Unless conjunction US /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading “THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.”

All words in this reading · 93

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 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

Aegeon

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

any

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He then began his own history, in the following words:

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

cause

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

city

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

COMEDY

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/

causing pain or showing no kindness

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

death

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

desired

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

die

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

discovered

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

duke

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

enter

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

Ephesus

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

ERRORS

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

events

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

fear

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

following

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

From this reading He then began his own history, in the following words:

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

heavier

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

heavy

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

history

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

imposed

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

law

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

made

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

marks

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

money

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

old

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

ordaining

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

own

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

From this reading He then began his own history, in the following words:

pay

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

pronounced

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

put

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

ransom

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

receive

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

relate

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

said

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

seen

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

sentence

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

sorrow

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

states

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

streets

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

Syracusan

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

Syracuse

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From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

task

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

tellnounUS /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

then

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

From this reading He then began his own history, in the following words:

there

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Aegeon, an old merchant of Syracuse, was discovered in the streets of Ephesus, and brought before the duke, either to pay this heavy fine, or to receive sentence of death.

thousand

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

unfortunate

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

variance

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

ventured

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE COMEDY OF ERRORS The states of Syracuse and Ephesus being at variance, there was a cruel law made at Ephesus, ordaining that if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in the city of Ephesus, he was to be put to death, unless he could pay a thousand marks for the ransom of his life.

weary

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

From this reading Aegeon said, that he did not fear to die, for sorrow had made him weary of his life, but that a heavier task could not have been imposed upon him than to relate the events of his unfortunate life.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Aegeon had no money to pay the fine, and the duke, before he pronounced the sentence of death upon him, desired him to relate the history of his life, and to tell for what cause he had ventured to come to the city of Ephesus, which it was death for any Syracusan merchant to enter.

words

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

From this reading He then began his own history, in the following words: