Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriars.

show off

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriars.

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

From this reading H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriars.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

past form of “convene” — meet formally

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading _FRONTISPIECE._ THE COUNCIL OF DOGS.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

state emphatically and authoritatively

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading _FRONTISPIECE._ THE COUNCIL OF DOGS.

even

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

plural of “engraving” — a print made from an engraving

From this reading ILLUSTRATED WITH SUITABLE ENGRAVINGS.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

an ornamental facade

From this reading _FRONTISPIECE._ THE COUNCIL OF DOGS.

a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe

From this reading H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriars.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading ILLUSTRATED WITH SUITABLE ENGRAVINGS.

plural of “insect” — small air-breathing arthropod

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

plural of “legion” — archaic terms for army

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

with modesty; in a modest manner

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

not any; not one

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

be obedient to

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _FRONTISPIECE._ THE COUNCIL OF DOGS.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

(Greek mythology) a mountain in central Greece where (according to Greek mythology) the Muses lived; known as the mythological home of music and poetry

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

go across or through

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

of or relating to poetry

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

an executive officer of a firm or corporation

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

plural of “pretension” — a false or unsupportable quality

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

someone whose occupation is printing

From this reading H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriars.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

a clergyman who watches over a group of people

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

be standing; be upright

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading ILLUSTRATED WITH SUITABLE ENGRAVINGS.

plural of “talent” — natural abilities or qualities

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading _FRONTISPIECE._ THE COUNCIL OF DOGS.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

the act of using

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

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

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

during the time that

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

which person or people

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.

in the company of; together with

From this reading ILLUSTRATED WITH SUITABLE ENGRAVINGS.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Why a COUNCIL of DOGS was convened on the Plain, The PRESIDENT SHEEP DOG thus rose to explain.-- "This meeting I call, to complain of misusage From the poets, who now a days have a strange usage Of leading up Insects and Birds to Parnassus, While, without rhyme or reason, unnotic'd they pass us.-- Declare then those talents by which we may claim Some pretensions, I hope, to poetical fame.-- _I_ boast of whole legions, my voice who obey; Without me the Sheep, e'en the Shepherd, might stray-- But no more of myself--Let each Dog of spirit Stand forward and modestly state his own merit.