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The Black Dwarf
The Black Dwarf

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of The Black Dwarf is here in full — 98 sentences across 20 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.
The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.
Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.
Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.
A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Black Dwarf

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of The Black Dwarf is here in full — 98 sentences across 20 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.
Line 2
The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.
Line 3
Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.
Line 4
Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.
Line 5
A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.

All words in this reading · 89

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.

a

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

Abbey

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

ABOUT

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

ADO

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

along

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

and

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

antiquaries

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

antiquity

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

arisen

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

From this reading A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.

at

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

away

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

be

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

become

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

been

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

Before

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

believed

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

between

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

Border

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

both

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

building

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

buildings

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

by

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

castle

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

cells

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

From this reading A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.

changes

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

chapel

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

chiefly

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

claimed

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

common

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

considerable

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

date

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

dedicated

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

dependency

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

destined

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

duration

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

Ellieslaw

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

England

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

feudal

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

From this reading A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.

had

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

ill-omened

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

in

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

included

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

From this reading A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.

introduced

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

is

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

it

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

its

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

From this reading A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.

itself

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

Jedburgh

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

like

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

long

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

looks

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

monks

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

MUCH

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

mutual

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

not

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

NOTHING

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

nuptial

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

of

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

older

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

on

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

passed

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

possessions

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

precincts

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

From this reading A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.

purposes

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

ravage

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

rich

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

ruin

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

From this reading A feudal castle had arisen on the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts.

scene

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

Scotland

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

settlement

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

sides

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

small

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

so

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

such

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

than

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

that

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

The

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

Their

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

there

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

This

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

From this reading This looks not like a nuptial.--MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

though

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

to

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

under

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

union

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

war

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

From this reading Their possessions had long passed away under the changes introduced by war and mutual ravage.

warlike

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

wars

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

was

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

From this reading The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity.

were

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

From this reading Before the wars between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich Abbey of Jedburgh.

Chapter 17 of The Black Dwarf by Walter Scott holds 98 sentences, grouped into 20 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 17 of The Black Dwarf contain?

Chapter 17 holds 98 sentences of The Black Dwarf, unabridged, divided into 20 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 17 of The Black Dwarf by Walter Scott exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 98 sentences, grouped into 20 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 17 of The Black Dwarf?

Work through the 20 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 20 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 17 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 17 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 Black Dwarf

Common questions about reading The Black Dwarf by Walter Scott on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Black Dwarf?

Yes. All 1832 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #1460 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Black Dwarf is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #1460, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Black Dwarf take to read?

About 152 minutes of reading across 367 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Black Dwarf section by section

How to work through The Black Dwarf section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in The Black Dwarf

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Black Dwarf, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Preliminary
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Black Dwarf; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Philosophy
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Black Dwarf; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Shepherd
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Black Dwarf; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
April
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Black Dwarf; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.