Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

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

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

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

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

for the reason that

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

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 For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

the act of burning something

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

the highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

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

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

completely ordinary and unremarkable

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its commercial interests and help its citizens in a foreign country

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

increasing by successive addition

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

well in the past; former

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

suitable to or characteristic of drama

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

of or relating to or characteristic of feudalism

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

start firing a weapon

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

informal intensifiers

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

plural of “foe” — an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

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

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

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

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

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

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

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

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

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

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

plural of “lapse” — a mistake resulting from inattention

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

the act of departing

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

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 It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

the force of workers available

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

filled or abounding with fog or mist

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

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

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

plural of “revolution” — a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

a relationship between two lovers

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

subject to a ruling authority

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

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

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

plural of “spring” — the season of growth

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

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

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

wisdom in the management of public affairs

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

plural of “summer” — the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

moving very fast

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

after the expected or usual time; delayed

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

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

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

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

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

work hard

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading It is because of the long lapses between cause and effect, the revolutions slow and of secret tardy growth instead of by fire and sword, that men turn to Imagination to bridge the gap.

-ing form of “unroll” — reverse the winding or twisting of

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

engaged in war

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

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

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

at the time that

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.

plural of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

in the company of; together with

From this reading For in those years the consul departed from Britain with his forces, and the cities ruled themselves, each in a state of feudal independence, now warring amongst themselves, now making common cause against their common foes.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

produce a literary work

From this reading Were history to write itself more often with a view to cumulative dramatic effect, there would be small need for the romance of imagination.

a late time of life

From this reading ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Book II THE GARDEN OF DREAMS I The years went on,--misty Springs, golden Summers, flaming Autumns, Winters stark and chill, leaving each its tale on the unrolling scroll of time.

distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)

From this reading One would have history a tale, of swift climax and excitement, when it is in fact a scattered medley--a battle here, a bit of statecraft there; here a burning Rome, yonder a new God; and between these the commonplace round of human life and toil and death, the inevitable dead level of the tale.