The Mercenary

Chapter XXXIII

Chapter 33 of The Mercenary is here in full — 131 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By W. J. Eccott • Curated US English Learning Edition

English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5

AN EMBASSY FOR STEPHANIE.

Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

Richelieu was attempting to isolate Austria, bargaining with the Princes of the League that they should stand aside as neutrals, bargaining with Gustavus that, if they did, he should respect their neutrality.

Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

Narrator

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LEARNER DICTIONARY

Archivist

/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/

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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Chapter XXXIII Reading 1/26

The Mercenary W. J. Eccott

Chapter XXXIII

Chapter 33 of The Mercenary is here in full — 131 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

AN EMBASSY FOR STEPHANIE. Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations. Richelieu was attempting to isolate Austria, bargaining with the Princes of the League that they should stand aside as neutrals, bargaining with Gustavus that, if they did, he should respect their neutrality. Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full. Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

The Mercenary

Chapter XXXIII

Chapter 33 of The Mercenary is here in full — 131 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1

AN EMBASSY FOR STEPHANIE.

Line 2

Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

Line 3

/ˈrɪʃəluː wɑːz əˈtemptɪŋ tuː ˈaɪsəleɪt ˈɔːstriə ˈbɑːrɡɪnɪŋ wɪð ðə ˈprɪnsəz ʌv ðə liːɡ ðæt ðeɪ ʃʊd stænd əˈsaɪd æz ˈnuːtrəlz ˈbɑːrɡɪnɪŋ wɪð ˈɡʌstəvəs ðæt ɪf ðeɪ dɪd hiː ʃʊd rɪˈspekt ðer nuːˈtræləti/

Line 4

Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

Line 5

Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

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.

bargaining noun US /ˈbɑːrɡɪnɪŋ/

the negotiation of the terms of a transaction or agreement

From this reading “Richelieu was attempting to isolate Austria, bargaining with the Princes of the League that they should stand aside as neutrals, bargaining with Gustavus that, if they did, he should respect their neutrality.”

Gustavus noun US /ˈɡʌstəvəs/

the last king of Sweden to have any real political power (1882-1973)

From this reading “Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.”

hostilities noun US /hɑːˈstɪlətiz/

fighting; acts of overt warfare

From this reading “Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.”

isolate verb US /ˈaɪsəleɪt/

place or set apart

neutrality noun US /nuːˈtræləti/

nonparticipation in a dispute or war

neutrals noun US /ˈnuːtrəlz/

plural of “neutral” — one who does not side with any party in a war or dispute

Richelieu noun US /ˈrɪʃəluː/

French prelate and statesman; principal minister to Louis XIII (1585-1642)

Swede noun US /swiːd/

a native or inhabitant of Sweden

From this reading “Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.”

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.

stand aside verb + particle

In this reading “Richelieu was attempting to isolate Austria, bargaining with the Princes of the League that they should stand aside as neutrals, bargaining with Gustavus that, if they did, he should respect their neutrality.”

Two months noun + noun counted as “two month”

In this reading “Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.”

slipped past verb + noun counted as “slip past”

In this reading “Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.”

All words in this reading · 69

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 Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

Adolphus

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

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

ANdeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading AN EMBASSY FOR STEPHANIE.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Richelieu was attempting to isolate Austria, bargaining with the Princes of the League that they should stand aside as neutrals, bargaining with Gustavus that, if they did, he should respect their neutrality.

asideadverbUS /əˈsaɪd/

on or to one side

attemptingverbUS /əˈtemptɪŋ/

-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt

AustrianounUS /ˈɔːstriə/

a mountainous republic in central Europe; under the Habsburgs (1278-1918) Austria maintained control of the Holy Roman Empire and was a leader in European politics until the 19th century

bargainingnounUS /ˈbɑːrɡɪnɪŋ/

the negotiation of the terms of a transaction or agreement

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

crushingadjectiveUS /ˈkrʌʃɪŋ/

physically or spiritually devastating; often used in combination

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

cupnounUS /kʌp/

a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

dominionsnounUS /dəˈmɪnjənz/

plural of “dominion” — dominance or power through legal authority

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

EMBASSYnounUS /ˈembəsi/

a diplomatic building where ambassadors live or work

From this reading AN EMBASSY FOR STEPHANIE.

FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AN EMBASSY FOR STEPHANIE.

FrancenounUS /fræns/

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

GustavusnounUS /ˈɡʌstəvəs/

the last king of Sweden to have any real political power (1882-1973)

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

hopingverbUS /ˈhoʊpɪŋ/

-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

hostilitiesnounUS /hɑːˈstɪlətiz/

fighting; acts of overt warfare

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

isolateverbUS /ˈaɪsəleɪt/

place or set apart

joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

LeaguenounUS /liːɡ/

an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

Maximilian

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

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

monthsnounUS /mʌnθs/

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

multifariousadjective

having many aspects or qualities

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

negotiationsnounUS /nəˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “negotiation” — a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

neutralitynounUS /nuːˈtræləti/

nonparticipation in a dispute or war

neutralsnounUS /ˈnuːtrəlz/

plural of “neutral” — one who does not side with any party in a war or dispute

nightsnounUS /naɪts/

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

pastnounUS /pæst/

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

pettyadjectiveUS /ˈpetiː/

inferior in rank or status

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

preventverbUS /prɪˈvent/

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

PrincesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəz/

plural of “prince” — a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

respectnounUS /rɪˈspekt/

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

RichelieunounUS /ˈrɪʃəluː/

French prelate and statesman; principal minister to Louis XIII (1585-1642)

Richelieu's

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

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

slippedverbUS /slɪpt/

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

standverbUS /stænd/

be standing; be upright

STEPHANIE

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

From this reading AN EMBASSY FOR STEPHANIE.

strenuousadjectiveUS /ˈstrenjuːəs/

characterized by or performed with much energy or force

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

SwedenounUS /swiːd/

a native or inhabitant of Sweden

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

ThenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

treatynounUS /ˈtriːti/

a written agreement between two states or sovereigns

From this reading Maximilian had indeed made a secret treaty with France, hoping to save his dominions from the Swede.

TwonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Two months slipped past for Gustavus Adolphus, two months of strenuous nights and days, two months of petty hostilities and multifarious negotiations.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Then there could be nothing to prevent Gustavus from crushing Austria, and Richelieu's cup of joy would be full.

Chapter 33 of The Mercenary by W. J. Eccott holds 131 sentences, grouped into 27 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 33 of The Mercenary contain?

Chapter 33 holds 131 sentences of The Mercenary, unabridged, divided into 27 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 33 of The Mercenary by W. J. Eccott exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 131 sentences, grouped into 27 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 33 of The Mercenary?

Work through the 27 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 27 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 33 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 33 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 Mercenary

Common questions about reading The Mercenary by W. J. Eccott on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Mercenary?

Yes. All 5752 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #40567 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Mercenary is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #40567, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Mercenary take to read?

About 479 minutes of reading across 1151 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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

Vocabulary met early in The Mercenary

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

Works: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mercenary; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Author: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mercenary; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
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Chapter XXXIII

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