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Antonina
Antonina

Chapter XXVI

Cover illustration for Antonina
Context Illustration Reading 1/52 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE VIGIL OF HOPE.
A new prospect now opens before us.
The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.
Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.
Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Antonina

Chapter XXVI

Reading 1/52 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE VIGIL OF HOPE.
Line 2
A new prospect now opens before us.
Line 3
The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.
Line 4
Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.
Line 5
Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “A new prospect now opens before us.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.”

Length noun US /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading “Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading “Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.”

All words in this reading · 72

Every word is available to listen to. 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 A new prospect now opens before us.

all

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

approach

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

barbarians

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A new prospect now opens before us.

bribed

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

brightens

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

city

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

close

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

clouds

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

conquered

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

dark

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

days

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

elapsed

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

fallen

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

gloomy

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

grow

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

hitherto

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

HOPE

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

From this reading THE VIGIL OF HOPE.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

landscape

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

lengthnounUS /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

like

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

mercy

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

new

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

From this reading A new prospect now opens before us.

now

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

From this reading A new prospect now opens before us.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE VIGIL OF HOPE.

opens

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

From this reading A new prospect now opens before us.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

paid

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

parting

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

past

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

paths

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

prospect

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

From this reading A new prospect now opens before us.

rain

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

ransom

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

rays

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

returning

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

Romans

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

Rome

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

rough

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

smoother

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

Some

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

stream

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

sunlight

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

temples

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE VIGIL OF HOPE.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

threaded

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

triumphant

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A new prospect now opens before us.

view

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

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

VIGIL

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

From this reading THE VIGIL OF HOPE.

way

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

wealth

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight stream through the parting clouds.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The rough paths through which we have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.

yielded

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

From this reading Some days have elapsed, and in those days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen city has been paid.