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The Rival Heirs
The Rival Heirs

Chapter XVII · Retribution

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Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
"Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."
It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.
Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.
The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.
Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Rival Heirs

Chapter XVII · Retribution

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
"Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."
Line 2
It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.
Line 3
Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.
Line 4
The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.
Line 5
Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

Learner Dictionary

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

Amidst preposition US /əˈmɪdst/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading “Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.”

Half noun US /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.”

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.”

None pronoun US /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading “Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.”

Save preposition US /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading “Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.”

Wilderness noun US /ˈwɪldərnəs/

a wild area where few people live

From this reading “It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.”

All words in this reading · 93

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 Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

air

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

all

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

antecedentem

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

From this reading "Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."

anxiously

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

beams

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

bittern

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

bog

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

bushes

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

claudo

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

From this reading "Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."

collected

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

concealed

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

Deseruit

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

From this reading "Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."

Dismal

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

elevation

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

else

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

farther

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

feeble

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

fen

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

figure

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

filled

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

firm

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

flags

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

flew

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

fowl

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

full

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

grass

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

halfnounUS /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

hum

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

inky

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

insects

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

land

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

looking

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

midday

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

moor

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

nest

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

noontide

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

overspread

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

peace

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

pede

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

From this reading "Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."

Poena

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

From this reading "Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."

pools

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

pouring

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

power

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

promontory

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

quagmire

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

quicksand

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

Raro

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

From this reading "Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."

reeds

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

reposing

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

rose

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

scelestum

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

From this reading "Raro antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede Poena claudo."

sedgy

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

side

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

sign

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

Signs

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

slight

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

solitary

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

solitude

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

From this reading The feeble hum of insects filled the air, but all else was peace and solitude.

southern

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

sun

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

surface

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

Swamp

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

there

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

treacherous

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

watching

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

From this reading Save that there was a sign of life on the farther side of the Swamp--a solitary figure half concealed by bushes, stood watching on a promontory of firm land, looking anxiously--from his slight elevation over the surface of the fen.

water

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Signs of life there were none, save when the bittern rose from its nest, amidst the long reeds or sedgy grass, or the moor fowl flew over the surface of the inky water, which here and there collected into pools.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.

wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/

a wild area where few people live

From this reading It was midday, and the sun was pouring the full power of his noontide beams on the wilderness of reeds and flags which overspread the southern side of the Dismal Swamp, reposing on the treacherous surface of bog, quagmire, and quicksand.