🔊 So then the seventh planet was the Earth.

So the seventh planet was Earth.

🔊 The Earth is not just an ordinary planet! One can count, there, 111 kings, 900,000 businessmen, 7,500,000 tipplers, 311,000,000 conceited men—that is, the six continents, a veritable army of 462,511 lamplighters for the street lamps.

Earth is not just any ordinary planet! You can count 111 kings, 900,000 business people, 7,500,000 drinkers, and 311,000,000 proud men—that is, on all six continents. There is also a huge group of 462,511 lamplighters for the street lamps.

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businessmen /ˈbɪznəsmən/

n. men who work in commerce, trade, or industry, especially at a senior level.

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tipplers /ˈtɪplərz/

n. people who drink alcohol regularly, especially in small quantities.

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conceited /kənˈsiːtɪd/

adj. excessively proud of oneself; vain.

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veritable /ˈverɪtəbl/

adj. used for emphasis, often to qualify a metaphor.

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lamplighters /ˈlæmplaɪtərz/

n. people whose job is to light street lamps, especially in the past.

🔊 Seen from a slight distance, that would make a splendid spectacle. The movements of this army would be regulated like those of the ballet in the opera. First would come the turn of the lamplighters of New Zealand and Australia. After they had retired into the wings, then the lamplighters of China and Siberia would enter for their steps in the dance. Next would come the turn of the lamplighters of Russia and the Indies; then those of Africa and Europe; then those of South America; then those of North America. And never would they make a mistake in the order of their entry upon the stage. It would be magnificent.

From a little distance away, it would be a wonderful sight. The movements of this group would be as orderly as a ballet in an opera. First, the lamplighters of New Zealand and Australia would take their turn. After they left the stage, the lamplighters of China and Siberia would come on for their part of the dance. Next would be the turn of the lamplighters of Russia and the Indies; then those of Africa and Europe; then those of South America; then those of North America. They would never make a mistake in the order they came on stage. It would be amazing.

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spectacle /ˈspektəkl/

n. a visually striking performance or display.

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regulated /ˈreɡjuleɪtɪd/

v. controlled or supervised by means of rules and regulations.

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ballet /ˈbæleɪ/

n. an artistic dance form performed to music, using precise and highly formalized set steps and gestures.

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opera /ˈɒprə/

n. a dramatic work set to music for singers and instrumentalists.

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retired /rɪˈtaɪəd/

v. withdrew, went away, or retreated.

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wings /wɪŋz/

n. the sides of a stage, concealed from the audience, where actors wait to come on.

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magnificent /mæɡˈnɪfɪsnt/

adj. extremely beautiful, elaborate, or impressive.

🔊 Only the man who was in charge of the single lamp at the North Pole, and his colleague who was responsible for the single lamp at the South Pole —only these two would live free from toil and care: they would be busy

Only the man in charge of the single lamp at the North Pole, and his partner who took care of the single lamp at the South Pole—only these two would live without hard work and worry: they would be busy

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colleague /ˈkɒliːɡ/

n. a person with whom one works, especially in a profession or business.

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responsible /rɪˈspɒnsəbl/

adj. having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone.

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toil /tɔɪl/

n. hard, continuous work.

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care /keə(r)/

n. a feeling of worry, anxiety, or concern.

Chapter XVI