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The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)
The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)

Chapter XVI

Chapter 16 of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) is here in full — 55 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)
Context Illustration Reading 1/11 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.
Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.
From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.
Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.
The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)

Chapter XVI

Chapter 16 of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) is here in full — 55 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/11 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.
Line 2
Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.
Line 3
From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.
/frʌm ðə ɡreɪt hɔːl ʃiː wɑːz ˌserəˈneɪdɪd baɪ dɪˈlaɪtfəl ˈmjuːzɪk ðə ˈmɪrər hæd dɪˈspleɪd ɔːl hɜːr ˈfeɪvərɪt ˈlændskeɪps ənd ðoʊ ʃiː wɑːz wɪˈθaʊt ˈeni kəmˈpænjən ənd hæd ðə soʊl tʃɑːrdʒ ʌv ðə ˈkæsəl jet hɜːr ˈduːtiz wɜːr baɪ ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl hændz ˈrendərd soʊ laɪt ðæt ðeɪ siːmd laɪk ə mɪr ɡeɪm kənˈtraɪvd fɔːr hɜːr ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
Line 4
Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.
/ðʌs wʌn ˌæftərˈnuːn ʃiː stept ˈɪntuː ðə bɑːrk ɪn ˈɔːrdər tuː ˌenˈdʒɔɪ fɔːr sʌm taɪm ðə kuːl ˈfreɪɡrənt er ɑːn ðə ˈwɔːtər/
Line 5
The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

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.

calmness noun US /ˈkɑːmnəs/

steadiness of mind under stress

From this reading “Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.”

chasing verb US /ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/

-ing form of “chase” — go after with the intent to catch

From this reading “The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.”

fleecy adjective US /ˈfliːsi/

(of fabrics) having soft nap produced by brushing

From this reading “The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.”

fragrant adjective US /ˈfreɪɡrənt/

pleasant-smelling

From this reading “Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.”

landscapes noun US /ˈlændskeɪps/

plural of “landscape” — an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading “From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.”

serenaded verb US /ˌserəˈneɪdɪd/

past form of “serenade” — sing and play for somebody

From this reading “From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.”

thereon adverb US /ðeˈrɔːn/

on that

From this reading “The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.”

zephyrs noun US /ˈzefərz/

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

From this reading “The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.”

Word partnerships in these lines

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

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

several days adjective + noun

In this reading “Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.”

singing birds noun + noun counted as “singing bird”

In this reading “The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.”

fragrant air adjective + noun

In this reading “Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.”

fled from verb + particle counted as “flee from”

In this reading “How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.”

some time adjective + noun

In this reading “Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.”

invisible hands adjective + noun

In this reading “From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.”

great hall adjective + noun

the principal hall in a castle or mansion; can be used for dining or entertainment

In this reading “From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.”

white flowers noun + noun counted as “white flower”

In this reading “The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.”

All words in this reading · 103

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 From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

afternoonnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːn/

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

airnounUS /er/

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

barknounUS /bɑːrk/

tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

Bertha

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

From this reading How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.

birdsnounUS /bɜːrdz/

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

calmnessnounUS /ˈkɑːmnəs/

steadiness of mind under stress

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

castlenounUS /ˈkæsəl/

a large and stately mansion

From this reading How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.

chargeverbUS /tʃɑːrdʒ/

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

chasingverbUS /ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/

-ing form of “chase” — go after with the intent to catch

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

cloudsnounUS /klaʊdz/

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

companionnounUS /kəmˈpænjən/

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

contrivedadjectiveUS /kənˈtraɪvd/

showing effects of planning or manipulation

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

cooladjectiveUS /kuːl/

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

dancenounUS /dæns/

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

delightfuladjectiveUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəl/

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

displayedverbUS /dɪˈspleɪd/

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

drivenadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪvən/

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

Druda's

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

From this reading How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.

dutiesnounUS /ˈduːtiz/

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

enjoyverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪ/

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

favouritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

fledverbUS /fled/

inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly

From this reading How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.

fleecyadjectiveUS /ˈfliːsi/

(of fabrics) having soft nap produced by brushing

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

flowersnounUS /ˈflaʊərz/

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

flyingadjectiveUS /ˈflaɪɪŋ/

moving swiftly

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

fragrantadjectiveUS /ˈfreɪɡrənt/

pleasant-smelling

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.

gamenounUS /ɡeɪm/

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

grewverbUS /ɡruː/

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

hallnounUS /hɔːl/

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

handsnounUS /hændz/

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

heavennounUS /ˈhevən/

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

How

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

From this reading How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/

impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

LadynounUS /ˈleɪdi/

a polite name for any woman

From this reading How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.

landscapesnounUS /ˈlændskeɪps/

plural of “landscape” — an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

lovelyadjectiveUS /ˈlʌvli/

appealing to the emotions as well as the eye

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

mereadjectiveUS /mɪr/

being nothing more than specified

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

mirrornounUS /ˈmɪrər/

polished surface that forms images by reflecting light

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

musicnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪk/

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

numberlessadjective

too numerous to be counted

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

peacenounUS /piːs/

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

playingnounUS /ˈpleɪɪŋ/

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

renderedverbUS /ˈrendərd/

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

roundnounUS /raʊnd/

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

serenadedverbUS /ˌserəˈneɪdɪd/

past form of “serenade” — sing and play for somebody

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

singingnounUS /ˈsɪŋɪŋ/

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

solenounUS /soʊl/

the underside of footwear or a golf club

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/

a state of social isolation

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

spentadjectiveUS /spent/

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Bertha had spent several days of solitude in calmness and peace.

steppedverbUS /stept/

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading How the Lady Bertha fled from the Druda’s castle.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

thereonadverbUS /ðeˈrɔːn/

on that

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

ThusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

towersnounUS /ˈtaʊərz/

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

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Thus, one afternoon she stepped into the bark, in order to enjoy for some time the cool fragrant air on the water.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

whitenounUS /waɪt/

a Caucasian

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading From the great hall she was serenaded by delightful music; the mirror had displayed all her favourite landscapes; and, though she was without any companion, and had the sole charge of the castle, yet her duties were by invisible hands rendered so light, that they seemed like a mere game contrived for her entertainment.

zephyrsnounUS /ˈzefərz/

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

From this reading The day was so lovely, that even the light fleecy clouds in heaven appeared to dance for joy as they were driven along by the zephyrs; there were also numberless singing birds that came flying round the castle towers, playing and chasing each other among the white flowers that grew thereon.

Chapter 16 of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) by Friedrich Heinrich Karl, Freiherr de La Motte-Fouqué holds 55 sentences, grouped into 11 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 16 of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) contain?

Chapter 16 holds 55 sentences of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3), unabridged, divided into 11 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 16 of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) by Friedrich Heinrich Karl, Freiherr de La Motte-Fouqué exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 55 sentences, grouped into 11 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 16 of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)?

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

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

Can chapter 16 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 16 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 magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)

Common questions about reading The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) by Friedrich Heinrich Karl, Freiherr de La Motte-Fouqué on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)?

Yes. All 1686 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #77097 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #77097, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) take to read?

About 140 minutes of reading across 338 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) section by section

How to work through The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 25 chapters of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3) 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 magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)

Words and structures a reader meets early in The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3), each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Magic
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Oliver
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Printers
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Three
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.