Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Mirror of Kong Ho
The Mirror of Kong Ho

Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of The Mirror of Kong Ho is here in full — 89 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Mirror of Kong Ho
Context Illustration Reading 1/17 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.
The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.
Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.
Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.
He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Mirror of Kong Ho

Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of The Mirror of Kong Ho is here in full — 89 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/17 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.
Line 2
The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.
/ðə rəˈkɔːrdɪŋ ʌv ˈsɜːrtən ˈmætərz ʌv noʊ pərˈtɪkjələr ˈmoʊmənt/
Line 3
Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.
/kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ ðæt ˈʌltəmət end wɪtʃ ɪz sɪmˈbɑːlɪk ʌv ðə ˌɪˈneksərəbəl wiːlz ʌv ə ˈlɑːrdʒər ˈdestəni/
Line 4
Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.
Line 5
He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

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.

acquiescent adjective US /ˌækwiˈesənt/

willing to carry out the orders or wishes of another without protest

From this reading “Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.”

earthworm noun US /ˈɜːrθwɜːrm/

terrestrial worm that burrows into and helps aerate soil; often surfaces when the ground is cool or wet; used as bait by anglers

From this reading “Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.”

imperfection noun US /ˌɪmpərˈfekʃən/

the state or an instance of being imperfect

From this reading “He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.”

markedly adverb US /ˈmɑːrkədli/

in a clearly noticeable manner

From this reading “He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.”

recording noun US /rəˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

a signal that encodes something (e.g., picture or sound) that has been recorded

From this reading “The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.”

specified adjective US /ˈspesəfaɪd/

clearly and explicitly stated

From this reading “He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.”

symbolic adjective US /sɪmˈbɑːlɪk/

relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols

From this reading “Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.”

Venerated verb US /ˈvenəreɪtɪd/

past form of “venerate” — regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

From this reading “Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.”

All words in this reading · 111

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 Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

acquiescentadjectiveUS /ˌækwiˈesənt/

willing to carry out the orders or wishes of another without protest

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

arisingverbUS /ərˈaɪzɪŋ/

-ing form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

benevolentlyadverb

in a benevolent manner

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

bootnounUS /buːt/

footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

bowsnounUS /baʊz/

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

cannot

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

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.

clingingverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/

-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

commandnounUS /kəˈmænd/

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

comparisonnounUS /kəmˈperəsən/

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

ConcerningverbUS /kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

conductedverbUS /kənˈdʌktəd/

past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/

(of information) make known; pass on

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

correspondencenounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndəns/

communication by the exchange of letters

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

creaturenounUS /ˈkriːtʃər/

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

delayverbUS /dɪˈleɪ/

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

deplorableadjectiveUS /dɪˈplɔːrəbəl/

bad; unfortunate

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/

move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

DestinynounUS /ˈdestəni/

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

disposedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspoʊzd/

having made preparations

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

doubtnounUS /daʊt/

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

dutifully-inclined

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

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

earthwormnounUS /ˈɜːrθwɜːrm/

terrestrial worm that burrows into and helps aerate soil; often surfaces when the ground is cool or wet; used as bait by anglers

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

endnounUS /end/

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

enterprisenounUS /ˈentərpraɪz/

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

explicitadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsplɪsət/

precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

formedadjectiveUS /fɔːrmd/

having or given a form or shape

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

ignobleadjectiveUS /ˌɪɡˈnoʊbəl/

completely lacking nobility in character or quality or purpose

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

imperfectionnounUS /ˌɪmpərˈfekʃən/

the state or an instance of being imperfect

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

impressionnounUS /ˌɪmˈpreʃən/

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

inexorableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈneksərəbəl/

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

inferioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɪriər/

of or characteristic of low rank or importance

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

intentionnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃən/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

invitationnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

iron-shod

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

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

largeradjectiveUS /ˈlɑːrdʒər/

large or big relative to something else

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

markedlyadverbUS /ˈmɑːrkədli/

in a clearly noticeable manner

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

mattersnounUS /ˈmætərz/

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.

necknounUS /nek/

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

occasionnounUS /əˈkeɪʒən/

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.

opposedadjectiveUS /əˈpoʊzd/

being in opposition or having an opponent

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

particularadjectiveUS /pərˈtɪkjələr/

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.

perchanceadverbUS /pərˈtʃæns/

through chance

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

personnounUS /ˈpɜːrsən/

a human being

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

pressingnounUS /ˈpresɪŋ/

the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

prosaicadjectiveUS /proʊˈzeɪɪk/

not fanciful or imaginative

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

recordingnounUS /rəˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

a signal that encodes something (e.g., picture or sound) that has been recorded

From this reading The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.

resultnounUS /rɪˈzʌlt/

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

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

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

SireverbUS /ˈsaɪər/

make (offspring) by reproduction

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

sonnounUS /sʌn/

a male human offspring

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

specifiedadjectiveUS /ˈspesəfaɪd/

clearly and explicitly stated

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

stylenounUS /staɪl/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

successfuladjectiveUS /səkˈsesfəl/

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

suspicionnounUS /səˈspɪʃən/

an impression that something might be the case

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

symbolicadjectiveUS /sɪmˈbɑːlɪk/

relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The recording of certain matters of no particular moment.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Concerning a pressing invitation from an ever benevolently- disposed father to a prosaic but dutifully-inclined son.

ultimateadjectiveUS /ˈʌltəmət/

furthest or highest in degree or order; utmost or extreme

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

VeneratedverbUS /ˈvenəreɪtɪd/

past form of “venerate” — regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

whereby

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

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Concerning that ultimate end which is symbolic of the inexorable wheels of a larger Destiny.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading He cannot put away from his mind a clinging suspicion that this arising is the result of some imperfection in his deplorable style of correspondence, whereby you have formed an impression quite opposed to that which it had been the intention to convey, and that, perchance, you even have a secret doubt whether upon some specified occasion he may not have conducted the enterprise to an ignoble, or at least not markedly successful, end.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

Yuen-ping

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

From this reading Venerated Sire,--It is not for the earthworm to say when and in what exact position the iron-shod boot shall descend, and this person, being an even inferior creature for the purpose of the comparison, bows an acquiescent neck to your very explicit command that he shall return to Yuen-ping without delay.

Chapter 14 of The Mirror of Kong Ho by Ernest Bramah holds 89 sentences, grouped into 18 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 14 of The Mirror of Kong Ho contain?

Chapter 14 holds 89 sentences of The Mirror of Kong Ho, unabridged, divided into 18 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 14 of The Mirror of Kong Ho by Ernest Bramah exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 89 sentences, grouped into 18 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 14 of The Mirror of Kong Ho?

Work through the 18 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 18 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 14 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 14 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 Mirror of Kong Ho

Common questions about reading The Mirror of Kong Ho by Ernest Bramah on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Mirror of Kong Ho?

Yes. All 1350 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #1077 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Mirror of Kong Ho is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #1077, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Mirror of Kong Ho take to read?

About 112 minutes of reading across 270 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Mirror of Kong Ho section by section

How to work through The Mirror of Kong Ho section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 14 chapters of The Mirror of Kong Ho 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 Mirror of Kong Ho

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Mirror of Kong Ho, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Concerning
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mirror of Kong Ho; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Journey
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mirror of Kong Ho; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Unlawful
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mirror of Kong Ho; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Demons
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mirror of Kong Ho; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.