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The Eye of Istar
The Eye of Istar

Chapter XI

Cover illustration for The Eye of Istar
Context Illustration Reading 1/84 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
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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.

The Eye of Istar

Chapter XI

Reading 1/84 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
Line 2
This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
Line 3
In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
Line 4
As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
Line 5
My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.”

Courtyard noun US /ˈkɔːrtjɑːrd/

an open area surrounded by the walls of a building

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

Deserted verb US /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/

left a place or vessel without intending to return

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

Drew noun US /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.”

Length noun US /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading “In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.”

Lest conjunction US /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading “In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.”

Passage noun US /ˈpassage/

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

From this reading “My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

Whence adverb US /wens/

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

Within preposition US /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading “With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.”

All words in this reading · 126

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 With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

alarm

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

apartment

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

apartments

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

approached

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

barred

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

bearer

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

bearing

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

bottom

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

brilliantly-lit

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

broad

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

clay

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

colossal

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

consciousness

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

courtiers

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

courtyardnounUS /ˈkɔːrtjɑːrd/

an open area surrounded by the walls of a building

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

crossed

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

dashed

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

desertedverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/

left a place or vessel without intending to return

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

down

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

drewnounUS /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

exhibited

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

explained

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

fear

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

festivities

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

final

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

flight

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

form

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

forth

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

freedom

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

gain

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

gained

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

girdle

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

glance

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

guards

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

hastily

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

head

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

hurried

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

impressed

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

inanimate

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

interlaced

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

Istar

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

Istar's

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

knife

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

lances

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

lengthnounUS /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

lestconjunctionUS /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

message

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

moment

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

near

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

officers

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

officials

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

palace

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

passagenounUS /ˈpassage/

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

placed

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

pouch

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

private

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

raise

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

reached

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

regain

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

royal

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

scribes

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

sculptures

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

seal

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

secreted

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

set

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

silent

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

silken

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

six

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

slumbering

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

small

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

soldiers

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

soon

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

staff

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

stairs

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

steps

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

sun-dried

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

tablet

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

taking

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

temples

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

then

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

tier

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

top

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

From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.

two

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

urgent

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.

way

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

week's

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

whenceadverbUS /wens/

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.

whereon

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

WithprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.