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Honoré de Balzac
Honoré de Balzac

Chapter IV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/89 · 5 lines
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From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.
You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.
At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.
To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.
The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Honoré de Balzac

Chapter IV

Reading 1/89 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.
Line 2
You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.
Line 3
At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.
Line 4
To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.
Line 5
The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

Learner Dictionary

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

Beneath preposition US /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading “You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.”

Christian noun US /ˈchristian/

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

From this reading “To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.”

Château noun US /ʃæˈtoʊ/

A large French country house or castle, often surrounded by expansive estates and private galleries.

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

Enclosure noun US /ˈenclosure/

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

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

Entirely noun US /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading “You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

Gentleman noun US /ˈgentleman/

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

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

Worthy adjective US /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading “At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.”

Yourself pronoun US /jərˈself/

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading “From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.”

All words in this reading · 121

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 From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

always

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

arbour

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

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

balconies

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

blinds

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

Christian

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

châteaunounUS /ʃæˈtoʊ/

A large French country house or castle, often surrounded by expansive estates and private galleries.

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

COGITA

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

commonplace

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

consumed

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

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

covered

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

delight

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

delights

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

determine

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

devoted

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

difficult

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

dilapidated

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

divine

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

divines

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

doors

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

drawn

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

Dukes

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

embellished

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

enclosurenounUS /ˈenclosure/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

epitaph

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

especially

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

espy

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

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

existence

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

eye

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

fill

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

fond

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

fruit

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

garden

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

hang

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

horticulture

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

house

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

inscription

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

lead

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

longer

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

melancholy

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

mountain

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

negative

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

nook

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

old

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

only

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

opened

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

out

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

peaceful

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

period

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

provincials

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

rather

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

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

reading

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

roof

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

roses

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

round

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

ruins

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

say

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

sight

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

some

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

soothing

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

spot

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

stands

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

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

sun-dial

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

swallow's-nests

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

table

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

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

terribly

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

From this reading The roof of the house is terribly dilapidated, the blinds are always drawn, the balconies are covered with swallow's-nests, the doors are never opened.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

there

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

thoughts

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

tombstone

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

top

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

tradesman

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

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

tulips

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

ULTIMAM

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

Vendôme

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

walls

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

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading To round out the melancholy yet soothing thoughts which fill the mind, there is on one of the walls a sun-dial, embellished with this commonplace Christian inscription: ULTIMAM COGITA.

worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading At sight of that garden, which is no longer a garden, one may divine the negative delights of the peaceful life which provincials lead, as one divines the existence of a worthy tradesman by reading the epitaph on his tombstone.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading You espy an arbour, or rather the ruins of an arbour, beneath which a table still stands, not yet entirely consumed by time.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.

yourselfpronounUS /jərˈself/

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading From the top of the mountain upon which hang the ruins of the old château of the Dukes of Vendôme, the only spot from which the eye can look into this enclosure, you would say to yourself that, at a period which it is difficult to determine, that little nook was the delight of some gentleman devoted to roses and tulips, to horticulture in short, but especially fond of fine fruit.