Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

Having no one else present.

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

disposed to please

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading THE MERLE AND NIGHTINGALE.

spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

an orderly arrangement

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

the first light of day

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a light shade of blue

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

informal or slang terms for mentally irregular

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

completely happy and contented

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

the two together, not just one

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

-ing form of “chase” — go after with the intent to catch

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

consisting of or containing or of the nature of crystals

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

extremely pleasing to the sense of taste

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

all the plant life in a particular region or period

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

having or deserving or conferring glory

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

compatibility in opinion and action

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

relating to or inhabiting a divine heaven

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

full of or producing joy

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

possessive form of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

plural of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

vigorously passionate

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

common black European thrush

From this reading THE MERLE AND NIGHTINGALE.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

European songbird noted for its melodious nocturnal song

From this reading THE MERLE AND NIGHTINGALE.

impressive in appearance

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

not one, and not any

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

be oriented

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

precisely, exactly

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

a crosspiece between the legs of a chair

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

an artist's brush made of sable hairs

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

deliver by singing

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a short musical composition with words

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

an unbroken period of time during which you do something

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

comparative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

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

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading THE MERLE AND NIGHTINGALE.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

an old word for “your”, speaking to one person

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

a formal word for “on”

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading Ne'er sweeter noise was heard with living man, Than made this merry gentle nightingale; Her sound went with the river as it ran, Out through the fresh and flourish'd lusty vale; 'O Merle!' quoth she, 'O fool! stint of thy tale, For in thy song good sentence is there none, For both is tint,[4] the time and the travail, Of every love but upon God alone.'

in or at the place that

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

during the time that

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

belonging to which person

From this reading Under this branch ran down a river bright, Of balmy liquor, crystalline of hue, Against the heavenly azure skyis light, Where did upon the other side pursue A Nightingale, with sugar'd notes new, Whose angel feathers as the peacock shone; This was her song, and of a sentence true, 'All love is lost but upon God alone.'

in the company of; together with

From this reading In May, as that Aurora did upspring, With crystal een[1] chasing the cluddes sable, I heard a Merle[2] with merry notes sing A song of love, with voice right comfortable, Against the orient beamis, amiable, Upon a blissful branch of laurel green; This was her sentence, sweet and delectable, 'A lusty life in Love's service been.'

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

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading With notes glad, and glorious harmony, This joyful merle, so salust[3] she the day, While rung the woodis of her melody, Saying, 'Awake, ye lovers of this May; Lo, fresh Flora has flourish'd every spray, As nature, has her taught, the noble queen, The fields be clothed in a new array; A lusty life in Love's service been.'