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Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning
Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning

Chapter III

Cover illustration for Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning
Context Illustration Reading 1/60 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.
And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.
II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.
So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.
When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning

Chapter III

Reading 1/60 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.
Line 2
And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.
Line 3
II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.
Line 4
So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.
Line 5
When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

Learner Dictionary

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

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.”

Below preposition US /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading “So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.”

Books noun US /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading “And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.”

Crew noun US /crew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

Dead noun US /dead/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Flame noun US /fleɪm/

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Free adjective US /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

Gaping adjective US /ˈɡeɪpɪŋ/

wide open

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.”

Half noun US /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.”

Neither determiner US /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading “So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

OVER preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Sail noun US /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

Scent noun US /sɛnt/

A distinctive smell or aroma.

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

Ship noun US /ship/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.”

Sure noun US /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

Twilight noun US /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/

the dim light before night or sunrise

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

WENT noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Whence adverb US /wens/

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Within preposition US /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.”

Wondrous adjective US /ˈwʌndrəs/

strange, beautiful, and impressive

From this reading “When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.”

All words in this reading · 238

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

10

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

15

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

20

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

25

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

30

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

35

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

40

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

45

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

5

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

afar

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

all

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

aloe-balls

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

armament

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

arras

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From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

awning

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From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

balsam

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

bare

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From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

bark

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

bear

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

billows

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

black

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

blew

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

bounding

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

brave

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

breaks

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

breath

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From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

brine

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

BROWNING

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

built

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

bull-hides

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

calm

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

CASSIA

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

cedar

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

circle

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

cleaving

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

closet

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

cloud

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

cold

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

crewnounUS /crew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

curled

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

dancing

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

dawned

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

day's

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

deadnounUS /dead/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

death

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

Down

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

drooped

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

dropping

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

dull

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

dust

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

EachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

Egyptian's

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

fain

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

faint

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

falls

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

fat

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

flakes

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

flamenounUS /fleɪm/

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

fold

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

forest-tree

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

freeadjectiveUS /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

FROMprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

gallant

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

GALLEYS

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

game

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

gapingadjectiveUS /ˈɡeɪpɪŋ/

wide open

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

gay

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

glad

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

gleamed

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

grew

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

hair

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

halfnounUS /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

HEAP

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

helm

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

howling

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

hung

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

II

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

Indian

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

island-gain

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

joy

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

Kept

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

labdanum

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

Lay

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

leafy

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

LeftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

light

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

like

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

loosed

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

lute

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

mad

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

made

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

main

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

maketh

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

mast

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

men

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

Mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

Moldering

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

moonlight

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

more

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

mothed

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

mountain

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

music

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

nailed

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

nard

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

night-wind

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

noontide

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

oar

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

oh

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

old

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

once

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

OrconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

ordernounUS /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

OURdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

out

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From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

outward

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From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

OVERprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

pales

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From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

PARACELSUS

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From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

peace

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From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

peaceful

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From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

pedestals

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From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

perfume

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From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

pierce

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From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

playful

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From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

PLAYS

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From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

plied

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From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

POEMS

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From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

prows

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From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

purple

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From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

queen

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From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

quiet

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From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

regal

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From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

rich

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From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

ROBERT

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From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

rough

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

round

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

row

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

rude

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

sailnounUS /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

SANDAL-BUDS

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

sang

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

scentnounUS /sɛnt/

A distinctive smell or aroma.

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

scented

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

SEA

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

sea-side

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

see

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

Seethed

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

SELECTIONS

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From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

set

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

shipnounUS /ship/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

shore

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

shredded

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

shroud

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

sides

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

sleep

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

Smeared

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

soft

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From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

some

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

SONGS

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

speeding

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

Spent

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

star

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

starshine

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

stately

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

stretched

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

strew

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

STRIPES

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

sun

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

suppled

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

surenounUS /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

sweetness

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

tenement

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

tent

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

tired

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

ToparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

together

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

too

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

treasure

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

tree-tops

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

twilightnounUS /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/

the dim light before night or sunrise

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

unrolled

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

upbore

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

vast

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

view

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

From this reading So each good ship was rude to see, Rude and bare to the outward view, But each upbore a stately tent Where cedar pales in scented row 30 Kept out the flakes of the dancing brine, And an awning drooped the mast below, In fold on fold of the purple fine, That neither noontide nor starshine Nor moonlight cold which maketh mad, 35 Might pierce the regal tenement.

vowed

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

voyage

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

voyagers

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

wave

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

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

WepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

weary

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

WENTnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

WhenceadverbUS /wens/

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

WhichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

wide

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

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

winds

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

wipes

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

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS AND PLAYS OF ROBERT BROWNING SONGS FROM PARACELSUS I "HEAP CASSIA, SANDAL-BUDS, AND STRIPES" Heap cassia, sandal-buds, and stripes Of labdanum, and aloe-balls, Smeared with dull nard an Indian wipes From out her hair; such balsam falls Down sea-side mountain pedestals, 5 From tree-tops where tired winds are fain, Spent with the vast and howling main, To treasure half their island-gain.

WithinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading II "OVER THE SEA OUR GALLEYS WENT" Over the sea our galleys went With cleaving prows in order brave To a speeding wind and a bounding wave-- A gallant armament; 20 Each bark built out of a forest-tree Left leafy and rough as first it grew, And nailed all over the gaping sides, Within and without, with black bull-hides, Seethed in fat and suppled in flame, 25 To bear the playful billows' game.

wondrousadjectiveUS /ˈwʌndrəs/

strange, beautiful, and impressive

From this reading When the sun dawned, oh, gay and glad We set the sail and plied the oar; But when the night-wind blew like breath, For joy of one day's voyage more, 40 We sang together on the wide sea, Like men at peace on a peaceful shore; Each sail was loosed to the wind so free, Each helm made sure by the twilight star, And in a sleep as calm as death, 45 We, the voyagers from afar, Lay stretched along, each weary crew In a circle round its wondrous tent Whence gleamed soft light and curled rich scent, And with light and perfume, music too.

worm-eaten

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.

young

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

From this reading And strew faint sweetness from some old Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud 10 Which breaks to dust when once unrolled; Or shredded perfume, like a cloud From closet long to quiet vowed, With mothed and dropping arras hung, Moldering her lute and books among, 15 As when a queen, long dead, was young.