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Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1
Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 is here in full — 418 sentences across 84 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/83 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.
Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.
About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.
Nothing here excites or assuages emotion:” here is no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”
The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 is here in full — 418 sentences across 84 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/83 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.
Line 2
Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.
/ʌv ə wɜːrk soʊ mʌtʃ red ɪt ɪz ˈdɪfəkəlt tuː seɪ ˈeniθɪŋ nuː/
Line 3
About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.
Line 4
Nothing hereexcites or assuages emotion:” here isno magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”
Line 5
The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.
/ðə ɪˈvents ɑːr ɪkˈspektəd wɪˈθaʊt səˈlɪsɪtuːd ənd ɑːr rɪˈmembərd wɪˈθaʊt dʒɔɪ ɔːr ˈsɑːroʊ/

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.

attains verb US /əˈteɪnz/

third-person singular of “attain” — to gain with effort

From this reading “About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.”

excites verb US /ɪkˈsaɪts/

third-person singular of “excite” — arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading “Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.””

magical adjective US /ˈmædʒɪkəl/

possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers

From this reading “Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.””

production noun US /prəˈdʌkʃən/

the act or process of producing something

From this reading “The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.”

representation noun US /ˌreprəzenˈteɪʃən/

a presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image

From this reading “About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.”

selecting verb US /səˈlektɪŋ/

-ing form of “select” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading “The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.”

unjustly adverb US /ənˈdʒʌstli/

in an unjust manner

From this reading “About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.”

unquestionably adverb US /ənˈkwestʃənəbli/

without question

From this reading “The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.”

All words in this reading · 97

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 Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

Addison's

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

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

affectionsnounUS /əˈfekʃənz/

plural of “affection” — a positive feeling of liking

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

anxietynounUS /æŋˈzaɪəti/

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.

assuages

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

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

attainsverbUS /əˈteɪnz/

third-person singular of “attain” — to gain with effort

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

Cato

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

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

collectionnounUS /kəˈlekʃən/

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/

under normal conditions

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

contraryadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːntreri/

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜːrmənd/

characterized by great determination

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

dialoguenounUS /ˈdaɪəlɔːɡ/

a conversation between two persons

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

difficultadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfəkəlt/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

elegantadjectiveUS /ˈeləɡənt/

refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

emotionnounUS /ɪˈmoʊʃən/

any strong feeling

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

eventsnounUS /ɪˈvents/

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.

excitesverbUS /ɪkˈsaɪts/

third-person singular of “excite” — arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.

forcedadjectiveUS /fɔːrst/

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

geniusnounUS /ˈdʒiːnjəs/

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

hereadverbUS /hiːr/

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/

characteristic of humanity

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

languagenounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒ/

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

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 About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

magicaladjectiveUS /ˈmædʒɪkəl/

possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

noblestadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊblɪst/

superlative of “noble” — impressive in appearance

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

NothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

observedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvd/

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

phantastic

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

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

poemnounUS /ˈpoʊəm/

a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

poetsnounUS /ˈpoʊəts/

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/

likely but not certain to be or become true or real

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

productionnounUS /prəˈdʌkʃən/

the act or process of producing something

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

raisingnounUS /ˈreɪzɪŋ/

the event of something being raised upward

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

readverbUS /red/

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

rememberedverbUS /rɪˈmembərd/

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.

representationnounUS /ˌreprəzenˈteɪʃən/

a presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

rightadverbUS /raɪt/

precisely, exactly

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

rulenounUS /ruːl/

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

selectingverbUS /səˈlektɪŋ/

-ing form of “select” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

sentimentsnounUS /ˈsentəmənts/

plural of “sentiment” — tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

solicitudenounUS /səˈlɪsɪtuːd/

a feeling of excessive concern

From this reading The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.

sorrownounUS /ˈsɑːroʊ/

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.

statenounUS /steɪt/

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

successionnounUS /səkˈseʃən/

a following of one thing after another in time

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

terrornounUS /ˈterər/

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

thinksnounUS /θɪŋks/

plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

tragedynounUS /ˈtrædʒədi/

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

unjustlyadverbUS /ənˈdʒʌstli/

in an unjust manner

From this reading About things on which the public thinks long, it commonly attains to think right; and of _Cato_ it has been not unjustly determined that it is rather a poem in dialogue than a drama, rather a succession of just sentiments in elegant language than a representation of natural affections, or of any state probable or possible in human life.

unquestionablyadverbUS /ənˈkwestʃənəbli/

without question

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

weightnounUS /weɪt/

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

wildadjectiveUS /waɪld/

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Nothing here “excites or assuages emotion:” here is “no magical power of raising phantastic terror or wild anxiety.”

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The events are expected without solicitude, and are remembered without joy or sorrow.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

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

From this reading Of a work so much read, it is difficult to say anything new.

worksnounUS /wɜːrks/

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading The tragedy of _Cato_, which, contrary to the rule observed in selecting the works of other poets, has by the weight of its character forced its way into the late collection, is unquestionably the noblest production of Addison’s genius.

Chapter 2 of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 by Samuel Johnson holds 418 sentences, grouped into 84 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 2 of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 contain?

Chapter 2 holds 418 sentences of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1, unabridged, divided into 84 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 by Samuel Johnson exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 418 sentences, grouped into 84 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 2 of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1?

Work through the 84 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 84 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1

Common questions about reading Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 by Samuel Johnson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1?

Yes. All 1692 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #4679 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #4679, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 take to read?

About 141 minutes of reading across 339 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 section by section

How to work through Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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Vocabulary met early in Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1

Words and structures a reader meets early in Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Cassell
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
National
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Library
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Samuel
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.