Chapter I

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

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

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true

From this reading THE ARGUMENT.

possessive form of “arthur” — elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading The Author Of "The Comic Latin Grammar."

a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

large tough nonrigid bag filled with gas or heated air

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

informal or slang terms for mentally irregular

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

show off

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

possessive form of “britain” — a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles; divided into England and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland; “Great Britain” is often used loosely to refer to the United Kingdom

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

arousing or provoking laughter

From this reading The Author Of "The Comic Latin Grammar."

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

gotten under control

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

performance of moral or religious acts

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

past form of “devise” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

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

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

a creature of Teutonic mythology; usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

gained or acquired; especially through merit or as a result of effort or action

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

an old word for “before”

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

unflinching in battle or action

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

any creature of exceptional size

From this reading JACK THE GIANT KILLER.

a state of high honor

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology (and sometimes also deals with semantics)

From this reading The Author Of "The Comic Latin Grammar."

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

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

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a small worthless amount

From this reading JACK THE GIANT KILLER.

someone who causes the death of a person or animal

From this reading JACK THE GIANT KILLER.

originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language

From this reading The Author Of "The Comic Latin Grammar."

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

plural of “limb” — one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a large number or amount

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a large number or amount

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

plural of “monster” — an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

in ancient Greek mythology any of 9 daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne; protector of an art or science

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

throughout a period of time

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Author Of "The Comic Latin Grammar."

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

capable of being influenced or formed

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

plural of “prank” — acting like a clown or buffoon

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

most frequent or common

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

deliver by singing

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

people who have been slain (as in battle)

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

an acknowledgment of appreciation

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading JACK THE GIANT KILLER.

a special situation

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

up to a particular time

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

Possessing or showing courage or determination; heroic. (Dũng cảm, quả cảm, anh hùng.)

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

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

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

hit hard

From this reading I sing the deeds of famous Jack, The doughty Giant Killer hight; How he did various monsters "whack," And so became a gallant knight.

at the time that

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

plural of “wizard” — someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading In Arthur's days of splendid fun (His Queen was Guenever the Pliant),-- Ere Britain's sorrows had begun; When every cave contained its giant; When griffins fierce as bats were rife; And till a knight had slain his dragon, At trifling risk of limbs and life, He did n't think he'd much to brag on; When wizards o'er the welkin flew; Ere science had devised balloon; And 'twas a common thing to view A fairy ballet by the moon;-- Our hero played his valiant pranks; Earned loads of _kudos, vulgô_ glory, A lady, "tin," and lots of thanks;-- Relate, oh Muse! his wondrous story.