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The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane
The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane

Chapter XXXIX

Chapter 39 of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane is here in full — 53 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane
Context Illustration Reading 1/10 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.
It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.
This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.
However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.
The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane

Chapter XXXIX

Chapter 39 of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane is here in full — 53 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/10 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.
Line 2
It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.
Line 3
This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.
/ðɪs ekˈstrævəɡəns ʌv dɪˈlaɪt wɑːz aɪ seɪ sæd tuː bɪˈhoʊld fɔːr ʃʊr ðə saɪt ʌv strɔːŋ men huː hæv lɔːst ðə ˈdɪɡnəti ənd kəmˈpoʊʒər ʌv ˈmænhʊd ənd ɑːr brɔːt tuː ðə wiːk kənˈdɪʃən ʌv ˈlɪtəl ˈtʃɪldrən ɪz nɑːt les dɪˈplɔːrəbəl ðæn ðə ˈæspekt ʌv jʌŋ ˈfeɪsəz ˈoʊvərkæst wɪð ðə ker ənd æŋˈzaɪəti ʌv eɪdʒ/
Line 4
However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.
/ˌhaʊˈevər ðɪs wɑːz bʌt ðə ʃɑːk ʌv ˈsʌdənli rɪˈtɜːrnɪŋ hoʊp ənd wen ðə trænˈspɔːrt wɑːz ˈoʊvər ðeɪ bɪˈkeɪm ˈriːzənəbəl ənd ˈmendɪd əˈpeɪs/
Line 5
The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.
/ðə iːz ʌv ˈɡoʊɪŋ daʊn ðæt ˈrɪvər ɪn kəmˈperəsən wɪð əˈsendɪŋ ɪt ɪz ˌɪnˈkredəbəl æz meɪ biː ˈɡæðərd frʌm ðə fækt ðæt ɪn wʌn deɪ wiː pæst tuː mɑːrks set ʌp baɪ ðiːz puːr ˈfeloʊz æt ˈɪntərvəlz ʌv eɪt ənd ten deɪz/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

apace adverb US /əˈpeɪs/

(poetic, literary) quickly

From this reading “However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.”

ascending adjective US /əˈsendɪŋ/

moving or going or growing upward

From this reading “The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.”

deplorable adjective US /dɪˈplɔːrəbəl/

bad; unfortunate

From this reading “This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.”

extravagance noun US /ekˈstrævəɡəns/

the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth

From this reading “This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.”

hurdles noun US /ˈhɜːrdəlz/

a footrace in which contestants must negotiate a series of hurdles

From this reading “It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.”

mended verb US /ˈmendɪd/

past form of “mend” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading “However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.”

overcast noun US /ˈoʊvərkæst/

the state of the sky when it is covered by clouds

From this reading “This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.”

transport noun US /trænˈspɔːrt/

something that serves as a means of transportation

From this reading “However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

poor fellows adjective + noun counted as “poor fellow”

In this reading “The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.”

ten days noun + noun

In this reading “The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.”

AT LENGTH preposition + noun

in a lengthy or prolix manner

In this reading “WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.”

at intervals preposition + noun counted as “at interval”

In this reading “The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.”

weak condition adjective + noun

In this reading “This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.”

set up verb + adjective

set up or found

In this reading “The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.”

in comparison preposition + noun

In this reading “The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.”

little children adjective + noun counted as “little child”

In this reading “This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.”

All words in this reading · 118

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

affectedadjectiveUS /əˈfektɪd/

acted upon; influenced

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

agenounUS /eɪdʒ/

how long something has existed

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

anxietynounUS /æŋˈzaɪəti/

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

apaceadverbUS /əˈpeɪs/

(poetic, literary) quickly

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

ascendingadjectiveUS /əˈsendɪŋ/

moving or going or growing upward

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

aspectnounUS /ˈæspekt/

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

ATprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

bearsnounUS /berz/

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

beholdverbUS /bɪˈhoʊld/

see with attention

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

broughtverbUS /brɔːt/

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

BUTconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

carenounUS /ker/

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

COMEverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

comparisonnounUS /kəmˈperəsən/

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

composurenounUS /kəmˈpoʊʒər/

steadiness of mind under stress

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

conditionnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/

a state at a particular time

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

delightverbUS /dɪˈlaɪt/

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

deplorableadjectiveUS /dɪˈplɔːrəbəl/

bad; unfortunate

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

dignitynounUS /ˈdɪɡnəti/

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

DISMALadjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/

causing dejection

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

easeverbUS /iːz/

move gently or carefully

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

eightadjectiveUS /eɪt/

being one more than seven

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

endedadjectiveUS /ˈendəd/

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

extravagancenounUS /ekˈstrævəɡəns/

the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

facesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

fellowsnounUS /ˈfeloʊz/

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

foolsnounUS /fuːlz/

plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

FOREBODINGS

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

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

gatheredadjectiveUS /ˈɡæðərd/

brought together in one place

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

hopenounUS /hoʊp/

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

how

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

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

hurdlesnounUS /ˈhɜːrdəlz/

a footrace in which contestants must negotiate a series of hurdles

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

incredibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkredəbəl/

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

laughingadjectiveUS /ˈlæfɪŋ/

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/

inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

LENGTHnounUS /leŋkθ/

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

lostadjectiveUS /lɔːst/

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

manhoodnounUS /ˈmænhʊd/

the state of being a man; manly qualities

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

marksnounUS /mɑːrks/

English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

mendedverbUS /ˈmendɪd/

past form of “mend” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

MOUTHnounUS /maʊθ/

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

ORONOQUE

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

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

overcastnounUS /ˈoʊvərkæst/

the state of the sky when it is covered by clouds

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

passedverbUS /pæst/

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

piteousadjective

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

pooradjectiveUS /puːr/

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

raggedadjectiveUS /ˈræɡəd/

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

reasonableadjectiveUS /ˈriːzənəbəl/

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

returningadjectiveUS /rɪˈtɜːrnɪŋ/

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

sadadjectiveUS /sæd/

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

seamennounUS /ˈsiːmən/

plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

shocknounUS /ʃɑːk/

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

sightnounUS /saɪt/

an instance of visual perception

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

suddenlyadverbUS /ˈsʌdənli/

happening unexpectedly

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

tennounUS /ten/

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

transportnounUS /trænˈspɔːrt/

something that serves as a means of transportation

From this reading However, this was but the shock of suddenly returning hope, and when the transport was over they became reasonable, and mended apace.

troublesnounUS /ˈtrʌbəlz/

plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

turnsnounUS /tɜːrnz/

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The ease of going down that river in comparison with ascending it is incredible, as may be gathered from the fact that in one day we passed two marks set up by these poor fellows at intervals of eight and ten days.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

WEpronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

weakadjectiveUS /wiːk/

wanting in physical strength

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

weepingadjectiveUS /ˈwiːpɪŋ/

showing sorrow

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading It was piteous to see how these poor seamen, ragged as any bears, and thin as hurdles, were affected with joy when they learnt that their troubles were as good as ended--weeping and laughing by turns, like very fools.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

WITHprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading WE COME AT LENGTH TO THE MOUTH OF THE ORONOQUE, BUT WITH DISMAL FOREBODINGS.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading This extravagance of delight was, I say, sad to behold, for sure the sight of strong men who have lost the dignity and composure of manhood, and are brought to the weak condition of little children, is not less deplorable than the aspect of young faces overcast with the care and anxiety of age.

Chapter 39 of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane by Frank Barrett holds 53 sentences, grouped into 11 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 39 of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane contain?

Chapter 39 holds 53 sentences of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane, unabridged, divided into 11 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 39 of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane by Frank Barrett exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 53 sentences, grouped into 11 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 39 of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane?

Work through the 11 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 11 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 39 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 39 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane

Common questions about reading The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane by Frank Barrett on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane?

Yes. All 4599 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #34476 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #34476, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane take to read?

About 383 minutes of reading across 920 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane section by section

How to work through The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Frank
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Barrett
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Lupton
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Publishing
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Admirable Lady Biddy Fane; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.