Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Last of the Barons — Complete
The Last of the Barons — Complete

Chapter VI · Chapter 6

Chapter 6 of The Last of the Barons — Complete is here in full — 193 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Last of the Barons — Complete
Context Illustration Reading 1/38 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.
That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.
As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.
The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.
On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.
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 Last of the Barons — Complete

Chapter VI · Chapter 6

Chapter 6 of The Last of the Barons — Complete is here in full — 193 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/38 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.
Line 2
That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.
Line 3
As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.
/æz ˈwɔːrwɪks bɑːrdʒ naʊ əˈproʊtʃt ɪts hjuːdʒ wɔːlz ˈraɪzɪŋ frʌm ðə ˈrɪvər ðer wɑːz mʌtʃ ðæt maɪt ˈiːðər ˈænəmət ɔːr ɑː əˈkɔːrdɪŋ tuː ðə muːd ʌv ðə ˈspekteɪtər/
Line 4
The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.
Line 5
On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

Learner Dictionary

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

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

animate verb US /ˈænəmət/

heighten or intensify

From this reading “As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.”

brawl noun US /brɔːl/

an uproarious party

From this reading “That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.”

gilding noun US /ˈɡɪldɪŋ/

a coating of gold or of something that looks like gold

From this reading “The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.”

inhaling verb US /ˌɪnˈheɪlɪŋ/

-ing form of “inhale” — draw deep into the lungs in by breathing

From this reading “On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.”

sentries noun US /ˈsentriz/

plural of “sentry” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading “On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.”

streamers noun US /ˈstriːmərz/

plural of “streamer” — light that streams

From this reading “The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.”

Warwick's noun US /ˈwɔːrwɪks/

possessive form of “warwick” — English statesman; during the War of the Roses he fought first for the house of York and secured the throne for Edward IV and then changed sides to fight for the house of Lancaster and secured the throne for Henry VI (1428-1471)

wharfs noun US /wɔːrfs/

plural of “wharf” — a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

From this reading “The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.”

All words in this reading · 122

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

accordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

animateverbUS /ˈænəmət/

heighten or intensify

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

approachedverbUS /əˈproʊtʃt/

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

associationsnounUS /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “association” — a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

awenounUS /ɑː/

an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

awnings

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

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

bargeverbUS /bɑːrdʒ/

push one's way

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

battlementedadjective

protected with battlements or parapets with indentations or embrasures for shooting through

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

bloodnounUS /blʌd/

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

brawlnounUS /brɔːl/

an uproarious party

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

breezesnounUS /ˈbriːzɪz/

plural of “breeze” — a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

cloth-of-gold

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

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

consecratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəkreɪtɪd/

solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high or sacred purpose

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

courtnounUS /kɔːrt/

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

courtiersnounUS /ˈkɔːrtiərz/

plural of “courtier” — an attendant at the court of a sovereign

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

craftnounUS /kræft/

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

damesnounUS /deɪmz/

plural of “dame” — informal terms for a (young) woman

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

dearadjectiveUS /dɪr/

dearly loved

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

EdwardnounUS /ˈedwərd/

King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

eyenounUS /aɪ/

the organ of sight

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

gallantadjectiveUS /ˈɡælənt/

unflinching in battle or action

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

galliard

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

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

gatenounUS /ɡeɪt/

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

gayadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

gayety

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

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

gildingnounUS /ˈɡɪldɪŋ/

a coating of gold or of something that looks like gold

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

glancedverbUS /ɡlænst/

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

gloomnounUS /ɡluːm/

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

gorgeousadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːrdʒəs/

dazzlingly beautiful

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

hallsnounUS /hɔːlz/

plural of “hall” — an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

hugeadjectiveUS /hjuːdʒ/

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

inhalingverbUS /ˌɪnˈheɪlɪŋ/

-ing form of “inhale” — draw deep into the lungs in by breathing

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

inneradjectiveUS /ˈɪnər/

located inward

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/

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

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

IVnoun

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

kingnounUS /kɪŋ/

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

king'snounUS /kɪŋz/

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

knightsnounUS /naɪts/

plural of “knight” — originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

lesseradjectiveUS /ˈlesər/

of less size or importance

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

LondonnounUS /ˈlʌndən/

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

metropolisnounUS /məˈtrɑːpələs/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

moodnounUS /muːd/

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

neverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

noondaynoun

the middle of the day

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

pacedverbUS /peɪst/

past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

paintingnounUS /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/

graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

principalnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

raisedadjectiveUS /reɪzd/

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

reignverbUS /reɪn/

have sovereign power

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/

set aside for the use of a particular person or party

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

richadjectiveUS /rɪtʃ/

possessing material wealth

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/

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

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

seatnounUS /siːt/

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

sentriesnounUS /ˈsentriz/

plural of “sentry” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

spectatornounUS /ˈspekteɪtər/

a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

splendournoun

a quality that outshines the usual

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

St

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

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

streamersnounUS /ˈstriːmərz/

plural of “streamer” — light that streams

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

ThomasnounUS /ˈtɑːməs/

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

TowernounUS /ˈtaʊər/

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

towersnounUS /ˈtaʊərz/

plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

Traitor's

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

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

walknounUS /wɔːk/

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

wallnounUS /wɔːl/

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

wallsnounUS /wɔːlz/

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

wardnounUS /wɔːrd/

a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another

From this reading On the walk raised above the battlemented wall of the inner ward, not only paced the sentries, but there dames and knights were inhaling the noonday breezes, and the gleam of their rich dresses of cloth-of-gold glanced upon the eye at frequent intervals from tower to tower.

Warwick'snounUS /ˈwɔːrwɪks/

possessive form of “warwick” — English statesman; during the War of the Roses he fought first for the house of York and secured the throne for Edward IV and then changed sides to fight for the house of Lancaster and secured the throne for Henry VI (1428-1471)

From this reading As Warwick’s barge now approached its huge walls, rising from the river, there was much that might either animate or awe, according to the mood of the spectator.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The Tower of London, more consecrated to associations of gloom and blood than those of gayety and splendour, was, nevertheless, during the reign of Edward IV., the seat of a gallant and gorgeous court.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

wharfsnounUS /wɔːrfs/

plural of “wharf” — a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading That king, from the first to the last so dear to the people of London, made it his principal residence when in his metropolis; and its ancient halls and towers were then the scene of many a brawl and galliard.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The king’s barge, with many lesser craft reserved for the use of the courtiers, gay with awnings and streamers and painting and gilding, lay below the wharfs, not far from the gate of St. Thomas, now called the Traitor’s Gate.

Chapter 6 of The Last of the Barons — Complete by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton holds 193 sentences, grouped into 39 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 6 of The Last of the Barons — Complete contain?

Chapter 6 holds 193 sentences of The Last of the Barons — Complete, unabridged, divided into 39 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 6 of The Last of the Barons — Complete by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 193 sentences, grouped into 39 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 6 of The Last of the Barons — Complete?

Work through the 39 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 39 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 6 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 6 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 Last of the Barons — Complete

Common questions about reading The Last of the Barons — Complete by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Last of the Barons — Complete?

Yes. All 10049 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #7727 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Last of the Barons — Complete is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #7727, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Last of the Barons — Complete take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2010 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Last of the Barons — Complete section by section

How to work through The Last of the Barons — Complete section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 37 chapters of The Last of the Barons — Complete 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 Last of the Barons — Complete

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Last of the Barons — Complete, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Wanderers
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Last of the Barons — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Exiles
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Last of the Barons — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Chapter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Last of the Barons — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Great
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Last of the Barons — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.