Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous

Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

Chapter 26 of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous is here in full — 106 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous
Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.
Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.
I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.
I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.
I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous

Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

Chapter 26 of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous is here in full — 106 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/21 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.
Line 2
Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.
Line 3
I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.
Line 4
I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.
Line 5
I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weekstime, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

All words in this reading · 109

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 Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

agreeable

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

an

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

and

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

another

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

any

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

as

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

at

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

be

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

but

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

by

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

capable

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

cases

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

certain

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

charged

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

circumstance

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

common

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

complete

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

creature

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

crime

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

death

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

degeneracy

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

enough

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

escaping

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

evident

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

expect

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

exquisitely

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

few

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

first

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

for

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

guilt

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

guilty

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

had

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

happiness

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

health

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

help

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

Here

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

I

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

imagine

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

in

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

indeed

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

is

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

It

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

itself

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

law

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

least

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

left

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

lethargy

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

life

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

make

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

me

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

mention

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

miserable

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

misery

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

money

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

most

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

much

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

myself

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

name

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

natures

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

neither

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

no

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

nor

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

not

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

nothing

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

now

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

of

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

offender

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

old

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

on

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

one

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

our

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

plead

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

pleasant

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

possessed

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

possible

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

power

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

proof

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

punishment

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

reflection

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

remorse

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

repentance

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

room

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

scarce

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

sense

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

should

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

sink

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

so

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

soul

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

speaking

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

strange

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

that

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

the

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

them

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

then

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

there

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

think

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

this

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

thoughts

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

time

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

to

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

From this reading It is scarce possible to imagine that our natures should be capable of so much degeneracy, as to make that pleasant and agreeable that in itself is the most complete misery.

upon

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

was

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

weeks

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

weight

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

which

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

From this reading I had a crime charged on me, the punishment of which was death by our law; the proof so evident, that there was no room for me so much as to plead not guilty.

who

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

From this reading I had weight of guilt upon me enough to sink any creature who had the least power of reflection left, and had any sense upon them of the happiness of this life, of the misery of another; then I had at first remorse indeed, but no repentance; I had now neither remorse nor repentance.

worse

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

From this reading Here was a circumstance that I think it is scarce possible to mention a worse: I was as exquisitely miserable as, speaking of common cases, it was possible for any one to be that had life and health, and money to help them, as I had.

yet

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

From this reading I had the name of an old offender, so that I had nothing to expect but death in a few weeks’ time, neither had I myself any thoughts of escaping; and yet a certain strange lethargy of soul possessed me.

Chapter 26 of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous by Daniel Defoe holds 106 sentences, grouped into 22 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 26 of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous contain?

Chapter 26 holds 106 sentences of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous, unabridged, divided into 22 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 26 of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous by Daniel Defoe exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 106 sentences, grouped into 22 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 26 of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous?

Work through the 22 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 22 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 26 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 26 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 Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous

Common questions about reading The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous by Daniel Defoe on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous?

Yes. All 3203 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #370 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #370, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous take to read?

About 266 minutes of reading across 641 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous section by section

How to work through The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 30 chapters of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous to begin.

  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 Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Fortunes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Misfortunes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Famous
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Flanders
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.