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Hereward, the Last of the English
Hereward, the Last of the English

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of Hereward, the Last of the English is here in full — 348 sentences across 70 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/69 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
HOW HEREWARD GATHERED AN ARMY.
The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.
Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.
Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.
The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Hereward, the Last of the English

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of Hereward, the Last of the English is here in full — 348 sentences across 70 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/69 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
HOW HEREWARD GATHERED AN ARMY.
Line 2
The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.
/ðə ˈvɔɪədʒ raʊnd ðə ˈnɔːrfək koʊst wɑːz rʌf ənd waɪld/
Line 3
Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.
Line 4
Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.
Line 5
The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

awning noun US /ˈɑːnɪŋ/

a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun

From this reading “Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.”

fitful adjective US /ˈfɪtfəl/

occurring in spells and often abruptly

From this reading “The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.”

Norfolk noun US /ˈnɔːrfək/

port city located in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay; headquarters of the Atlantic fleet of the United States Navy

From this reading “The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.”

poop noun US /puːp/

obscene terms for feces

From this reading “Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.”

streaked adjective US /striːkt/

marked with or as if with stripes or linear discolorations

From this reading “The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.”

uncomfortably adverb US /ənˈkʌmfərtəbli/

in physical discomfort

From this reading “Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.”

witches noun US /ˈwɪtʃəz/

plural of “witch” — a female sorcerer or magician

From this reading “The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.”

wreaths noun US /riːθs/

plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading “The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.”

All words in this reading · 102

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/

possessing life

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

ANdeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading HOW HEREWARD GATHERED AN ARMY.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

ARMYnounUS /ˈɑːrmi/

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading HOW HEREWARD GATHERED AN ARMY.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

awningnounUS /ˈɑːnɪŋ/

a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

bloodnounUS /blʌd/

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

brainnounUS /breɪn/

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

childnounUS /tʃaɪld/

a young person of either sex

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

claspverbUS /klæsp/

hold firmly and tightly

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

closeradverbUS /ˈkloʊsər/

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

cloudverbUS /klaʊd/

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

coastnounUS /koʊst/

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

comfortnounUS /ˈkʌmfərt/

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

commandingadjectiveUS /kəˈmændɪŋ/

used of a height or viewpoint

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

fanciesnounUS /ˈfænsiz/

plural of “fancy” — something many people believe that is false

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

figurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

fitfuladjectiveUS /ˈfɪtfəl/

occurring in spells and often abruptly

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

forebodings

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

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

GATHEREDadjectiveUS /ˈɡæðərd/

brought together in one place

From this reading HOW HEREWARD GATHERED AN ARMY.

girlnounUS /ɡɜːrl/

a young female

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

gloomyadjectiveUS /ˈɡluːmi/

depressingly dark

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

graynounUS /ɡreɪ/

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

gurgled

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

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

HEREWARD

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

From this reading HOW HEREWARD GATHERED AN ARMY.

hoarseadjectiveUS /hɔːrs/

deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

HOW

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

From this reading HOW HEREWARD GATHERED AN ARMY.

hurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/

moving with great haste

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

husbandnounUS /ˈhʌzbənd/

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

illadjectiveUS /ɪl/

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

leenounUS /liː/

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

nightnounUS /naɪt/

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

NorfolknounUS /ˈnɔːrfək/

port city located in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay; headquarters of the Atlantic fleet of the United States Navy

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

PackedadjectiveUS /pækt/

extremely crowed or filled to capacity

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

poopnounUS /puːp/

obscene terms for feces

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

pooradjectiveUS /puːr/

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

prayersnounUS /prerz/

plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

rednounUS /red/

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

rollingadjectiveUS /ˈroʊlɪŋ/

uttered with a trill

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

roughadjectiveUS /rʌf/

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

roundnounUS /raʊnd/

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

shipverbUS /ʃɪp/

transport commercially

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

slumbernounUS /ˈslʌmbər/

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

startedverbUS /ˈstɑːrtɪd/

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

steeringnounUS /ˈstɪrɪŋ/

the act of guiding or showing the way

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

storm-dawn

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

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

streakedadjectiveUS /striːkt/

marked with or as if with stripes or linear discolorations

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

strengthnounUS /streŋkθ/

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

sturdyadjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrdi/

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

Torfrida

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

From this reading Torfrida was ill, the little girl was ill; the poor old mother was so ill that she could not even say her prayers.

towernounUS /ˈtaʊər/

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

uncomfortablyadverbUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbli/

in physical discomfort

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

voicesnounUS /ˈvɔɪsəz/

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

voyagenounUS /ˈvɔɪədʒ/

an act of traveling by water

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

water-waste

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

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

whirlingnounUS /ˈwɜːrlɪŋ/

the act of rotating in a circle or spiral

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

wildadjectiveUS /waɪld/

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The voyage round the Norfolk coast was rough and wild.

witchesnounUS /ˈwɪtʃəz/

plural of “witch” — a female sorcerer or magician

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Packed uncomfortably under the awning on the poop, Torfrida looked on from beneath it upon the rolling water-waste, with a heart full of gloomy forebodings, and a brain whirling with wild fancies.

woenounUS /woʊ/

misery resulting from affliction

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

wreathsnounUS /riːθs/

plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading The wreaths of cloud were gray witches, hurrying on with the ship to work her woe; the low red storm-dawn was streaked with blood; the water which gurgled all night under the lee was alive with hoarse voices; and again and again she started from fitful slumber to clasp the child closer to her, or look up for comfort to the sturdy figure of her husband, as he stood, like a tower of strength, steering and commanding, the long night through.

Chapter 21 of Hereward, the Last of the English by Charles Kingsley holds 348 sentences, grouped into 70 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 21 of Hereward, the Last of the English contain?

Chapter 21 holds 348 sentences of Hereward, the Last of the English, unabridged, divided into 70 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 21 of Hereward, the Last of the English by Charles Kingsley exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 348 sentences, grouped into 70 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 21 of Hereward, the Last of the English?

Work through the 70 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 70 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 21 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 21 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Hereward, the Last of the English

Common questions about reading Hereward, the Last of the English by Charles Kingsley on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Hereward, the Last of the English?

Yes. All 9035 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #7815 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Hereward, the Last of the English is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #7815, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Hereward, the Last of the English take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1807 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Hereward, the Last of the English section by section

How to work through Hereward, the Last of the English section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Hereward, the Last of the English

Words and structures a reader meets early in Hereward, the Last of the English, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Hereward
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Hereward, the Last of the English; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Outlawed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Hereward, the Last of the English; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
North
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Hereward, the Last of the English; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Fortunes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Hereward, the Last of the English; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.