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The Mercy of the Lord
The Mercy of the Lord

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of The Mercy of the Lord is here in full — 429 sentences across 86 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/85 · 5 lines
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Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.
But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.
Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.
And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.
Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Mercy of the Lord

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of The Mercy of the Lord is here in full — 429 sentences across 86 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/85 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.
Line 2
But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.
Line 3
Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.
Line 4
And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.
Line 5
Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

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.

acknowledgments noun US /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒmənts/

plural of “acknowledgment” — the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged

From this reading “Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.”

Brine noun US /braɪn/

water containing salts

elevate verb US /ˈeləveɪt/

give a promotion to or assign to a higher position

From this reading “Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.”

excellencies noun US /ˈekˈslensiz/

plural of “excellency” — a title used to address dignitaries (such as ambassadors or governors); usually preceded by “Your” or “His” or “Her”

From this reading “Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.”

Hindu noun US /ˈhɪnduː/

a native or inhabitant of Hindustan or India

From this reading “Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.”

recognising verb US /ˈrekəɡnaɪzɪŋ/

-ing form of “recognise” — show approval or appreciation of

From this reading “Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.”

scrivener noun US /ˈskrɪvnər/

someone employed to make written copies of documents and manuscripts

From this reading “Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.”

stinking adjective US /ˈstɪŋkɪŋ/

very bad

From this reading “Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.”

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.

hereditary enemy adjective + noun

In this reading “Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.”

few days adjective + noun

In this reading “Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.”

on the threshold preposition + article + noun counted as “on … threshold”

In this reading “Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.”

at the bottom preposition + article + noun counted as “at … bottom”

In this reading “Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.”

All words in this reading · 117

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 Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

acknowledgmentsnounUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒmənts/

plural of “acknowledgment” — the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

admittedverbUS /ədˈmɪtɪd/

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

afterwardsadverbUS /ˈæftərwərdz/

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

attiredadjectiveUS /əˈtaɪrd/

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

banco

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

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

BenchnounUS /bentʃ/

a long seat for more than one person

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

bestnounUS /best/

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

bottomnounUS /ˈbɑːtəm/

the lower side of anything

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

BrinenounUS /braɪn/

water containing salts

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

brokeadjectiveUS /broʊk/

lacking funds

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

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

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

confidencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfədəns/

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

courteousadjectiveUS /ˈkɜːrtiəs/

exhibiting courtesy and politeness

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

devotedadjectiveUS /dɪˈvoʊtɪd/

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

districtnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkt/

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

doubtlessadverbUS /ˈdaʊtləs/

without doubt; certainly

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

dulyadverbUS /ˈduːli/

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

elevateverbUS /ˈeləveɪt/

give a promotion to or assign to a higher position

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

enemynounUS /ˈenəmi/

an opposing military force

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

equallyadverbUS /ˈiːkwəli/

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

excellenciesnounUS /ˈekˈslensiz/

plural of “excellency” — a title used to address dignitaries (such as ambassadors or governors); usually preceded by “Your” or “His” or “Her”

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

facesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

faintadjectiveUS /feɪnt/

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

frownverbUS /fraʊn/

look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

gainedverbUS /ɡeɪnd/

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

gentlyadverbUS /ˈdʒentli/

in a gradual manner

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

GovernmentnounUS /ˈɡʌvərmənt/

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

gracefuladjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪsfəl/

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

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 And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

hereditaryadjectiveUS /hərˈedəteri/

occurring among members of a family usually by heredity

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

HindunounUS /ˈhɪnduː/

a native or inhabitant of Hindustan or India

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

honouredverbUS /ˈɑːnərd/

past form of “honour” — bestow honor or rewards upon

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

impossibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːsəbəl/

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

instantlyadverbUS /ˈɪnstəntli/

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

King-Emperor

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

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

Mahomedan

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

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

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 Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

meanverbUS /miːn/

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

metverbUS /met/

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

moneylendernoun

someone who lends money at excessive rates of interest

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

O'BriennounUS /oʊˈbraɪɪn/

Irish writer (born in 1932)

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

otherwiseadverbUS /ˈʌðərwaɪz/

in other respects or ways

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

recognisedadjectiveUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

recognisingverbUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzɪŋ/

-ing form of “recognise” — show approval or appreciation of

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

regardingverbUS /rɪˈɡɑːrdɪŋ/

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

remainverbUS /rɪˈmeɪn/

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

remarksnounUS /rɪˈmɑːrks/

plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

repairedverbUS /rɪˈperd/

past form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

representativesnounUS /ˌreprəˈzentətɪvz/

plural of “representative” — a person who represents others

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

sahibnoun

formerly a term of respect for important white Europeans in colonial India; used after the name

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

sahib's

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

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

saluteverbUS /səˈluːt/

propose a toast to

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

scrivenernounUS /ˈskrɪvnər/

someone employed to make written copies of documents and manuscripts

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

sentnounUS /sent/

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

servicenounUS /ˈsɜːrvəs/

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

shocknounUS /ʃɑːk/

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

sitverbUS /sɪt/

be seated

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

stiffadjectiveUS /stɪf/

not moving or operating freely

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

stinkingadjectiveUS /ˈstɪŋkɪŋ/

very bad

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

swiftadjectiveUS /swɪft/

moving very fast

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

tactnounUS /tækt/

consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

Tim

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

From this reading And then Tim O'Brien made a few remarks about the King-Emperor and devoted service which sent both old hands out in swift stiff salute.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

uniformsnounUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrmz/

plural of “uniform” — clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

verandahnoun

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Doubtless it was a shock to find themselves equally honoured; but regarding the "_in banco_," they both admitted instantly to themselves that it was better to sit next a hereditary enemy than a stinking scrivener or a mean moneylender.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

whitheradverbUS /ˈwɪðər/

an old word meaning “to where”

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading But _Brine sahib_ broke it to them gently, with the graceful tact which gained him so much confidence.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Government, recognising their many and great excellencies, had found it impossible to do otherwise than elevate them both to the Bench, where they would doubtless remain, as they were now, the best representatives of Hindu and Mahomedan feeling in the district.

YetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet, when they met, a few days afterwards, duly attired in their uniforms on the threshold of _Brine sahib's_ verandah, whither they had repaired full of courteous acknowledgments to one whom they recognised as being at the bottom of the appointment, a faint frown came to their old faces.

Chapter 4 of The Mercy of the Lord by Flora Annie Webster Steel holds 429 sentences, grouped into 86 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 4 of The Mercy of the Lord contain?

Chapter 4 holds 429 sentences of The Mercy of the Lord, unabridged, divided into 86 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Mercy of the Lord by Flora Annie Webster Steel exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 429 sentences, grouped into 86 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 4 of The Mercy of the Lord?

Work through the 86 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 86 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 Mercy of the Lord

Common questions about reading The Mercy of the Lord by Flora Annie Webster Steel on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Mercy of the Lord?

Yes. All 4662 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #40136 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Mercy of the Lord is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #40136, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Mercy of the Lord take to read?

About 388 minutes of reading across 933 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Mercy of the Lord section by section

How to work through The Mercy of the Lord section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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

Vocabulary met early in The Mercy of the Lord

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Mercy of the Lord, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Letter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mercy of the Lord; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Macron
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mercy of the Lord; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Represented
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mercy of the Lord; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Waters
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mercy of the Lord; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.