Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

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

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

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

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

past form of “achieve” — to gain with effort

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

American Revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the Boston Tea Party and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1722-1803)

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

plural of “american” — a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

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

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

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

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

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

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

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

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

capital of Germany located in eastern Germany

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

tending to find and call attention to faults

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

for the most part

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

a young person of either sex

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

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

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

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

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

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

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

for a limitless time

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

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

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

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

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

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

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

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

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

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

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

plural of “lawyer” — a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

plural of “like” — a similar kind

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

not caught with the senses or the mind

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

attach to a support

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

not any; not one

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

plural of “politician” — a leader engaged in civil administration

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

American patriot who presented the colonists' grievances to the English king (1744-1775)

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

inflected form of “rely” — have faith or confidence in

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

restricted to something

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

plural of “temptation” — something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

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

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

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

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

propel through the air

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

showing fear and lack of confidence

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

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

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

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

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

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

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading Being of no great value, he may throw himself away if he likes, and never be missed.

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

From this reading Strictly followed, the rule would have obliged them never to quit Quincy; and, in fact, so much more timid are parents for their children than for themselves, that Mr. and Mrs. Adams would have been content to see their children remain forever in Mount Vernon Street, unexposed to the temptations of Europe, could they have relied on the moral influences of Boston itself.

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

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading BERLIN (1858-1859) A FOURTH child has the strength of his weakness.

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

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Charles Francis Adams, the father, felt no love for Europe, which, as he and all the world agreed, unfitted Americans for America.

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

From this reading A captious critic might have replied that all the success he or his father or his grandfather achieved was chiefly due to the field that Europe gave them, and it was more than likely that without the help of Europe they would have all remained local politicians or lawyers, like their neighbors, to the end.