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The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5)
The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5)

Chapter XXIX

Chapter 29 of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) is here in full — 535 sentences across 107 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5)
Context Illustration Reading 1/107 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.
He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.
If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.
Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.
He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5)

Chapter XXIX

Chapter 29 of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) is here in full — 535 sentences across 107 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/107 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.
Line 2
He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.
Line 3
If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.
Line 4
Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.
Line 5
He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

compulsion noun US /kəmˈpʌlʃən/

an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid

From this reading “Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.”

Danish noun US /ˈdeɪnɪʃ/

a Scandinavian language that is the official language of Denmark

From this reading “He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.”

diversity noun US /dɪˈvɜːrsɪti/

noticeable heterogeneity

From this reading “There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.”

elf noun US /elf/

(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous

From this reading “There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.”

elves noun US /elvz/

an acronym for emissions of light and very low frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources

From this reading “Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.”

Norwegian noun US /ˌnɔːrˈwiːdʒən/

a native or inhabitant of Norway

From this reading “If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.”

Swedish adjective US /ˈswiːdɪʃ/

of or relating to or characteristic of Sweden or its people or culture or language

From this reading “If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.”

threatens verb US /ˈθretənz/

third-person singular of “threaten” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading “If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

under compulsion preposition + noun

In this reading “Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.”

sharp knives adjective + noun counted as “sharp knife”

In this reading “If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.”

great misfortune adjective + noun

In this reading “If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.”

already given adverb + adjective

In this reading “He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.”

in order preposition + noun

in a state of proper readiness or preparation or arrangement

In this reading “There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.”

All words in this reading · 113

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

10

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

11

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

12

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

15

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

4

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

5

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

6

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

7

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

8

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

BnounUS /biː/

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

bloodnounUS /blʌd/

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

bootsnounUS /buːts/

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

CnounUS /siː/

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

cannot

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/

under normal conditions

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

compulsionnounUS /kəmˈpʌlʃən/

an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

costnounUS /kɑːst/

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

DnounUS /diː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

dancenounUS /dæns/

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

dancesnounUS /ˈdænsəz/

plural of “dance” — an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

DanishnounUS /ˈdeɪnɪʃ/

a Scandinavian language that is the official language of Denmark

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

deadadjectiveUS /ded/

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

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

diversitynounUS /dɪˈvɜːrsɪti/

noticeable heterogeneity

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

EnounUS /iː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

elfnounUS /elf/

(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

elvesnounUS /elvz/

an acronym for emissions of light and very low frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

FnounUS /ef/

a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

få

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

GnounUS /dʒiː/

a metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

G-N

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

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

giftsnounUS /ɡɪfts/

plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

HnounUS /eɪtʃ/

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 If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

handsomeadjectiveUS /ˈhænsəm/

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

HepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

induceverbUS /ˌɪnˈduːs/

cause to arise

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

jeg

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

KnounUS /keɪ/

the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

kan

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

knivesnounUS /naɪvz/

plural of “knife” — edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

LnounUS /el/

a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

MnounUS /em/

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

misfortunenounUS /mɪˈsfɔːrtʃən/

unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

NnounUS /en/

a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

naturallyadverbUS /ˈnætʃərəli/

as might be expected

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

nighadjectiveUS /naɪ/

not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

NorwegiannounUS /ˌnɔːrˈwiːdʒən/

a native or inhabitant of Norway

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

obviouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːbviəsli/

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

offerverbUS /ˈɔːfər/

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

offersnounUS /ˈɔːfərz/

plural of “offer” — the verbal act of offering

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

Oluf

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

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

PnounUS /piː/

a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

repliesnounUS /rɪˈplaɪz/

plural of “reply” — a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

SnounUS /es/

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

sevennounUS /ˈsevən/

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

sharpadjectiveUS /ʃɑːrp/

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

shoesnounUS /ʃuːz/

a particular situation

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

sicknessnounUS /ˈsɪknəs/

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

soreadjectiveUS /sɔːr/

hurting

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

SwedishadjectiveUS /ˈswiːdɪʃ/

of or relating to or characteristic of Sweden or its people or culture or language

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

TnounUS /tiː/

a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

ThereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

threatensverbUS /ˈθretənz/

third-person singular of “threaten” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading He dances till both his boots are full of blood, #D a# 15, #D b# 4, #G# 5, #I# 11, #K# 5, #L# 5, #M# 6, #N# 7, #S# 6 [shoes], #T# 10, #U# 5, #X# 8, #Y# 7; he dances so long that he is nigh dead, #I# 12.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

true-love

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

UnounUS /juː/

a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Oluf dances with the elves, obviously under compulsion, in Danish #C#, #D#, #G-N#, #S#, #T#, #U#, #X#, #Y#, Swedish #F#, and only in these.

vel

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

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading There is naturally some diversity in the gifts which the elf offers Oluf in order to induce him to dance with her.

XnounUS /eks/

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

YnounUS /waɪ/

a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys

From this reading He more commonly replies that the offer is a handsome one, 'kan jeg vel få,' but dance with her he cannot; sometimes that his true-love has already given him that, or two, three, seven such, Danish #D a#, #I#, #T#, #X#, #Y#.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

ZnounUS /ziː/

the ending of a series or sequence

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

Ø

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

From this reading If he will not dance with her, the elf threatens him with sore sickness, Danish #B#, #E#, #H#, #Z#, #Ø#, Norwegian #A#, Swedish #E#, #F#; a great misfortune, Danish #F#, Swedish #A#; sharp knives, Danish #P#; it shall cost him his young life, Danish #D a, b#, #T#, #Y#.

Chapter 29 of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) by Francis James [Editor] Child holds 535 sentences, grouped into 107 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 29 of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) contain?

Chapter 29 holds 535 sentences of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5), unabridged, divided into 107 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 29 of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) by Francis James [Editor] Child exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 535 sentences, grouped into 107 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 29 of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5)?

Work through the 107 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 107 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 29 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 29 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5)

Common questions about reading The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) by Francis James [Editor] Child on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5)?

Yes. All 20468 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #44969 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #44969, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 4094 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) section by section

How to work through The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5) section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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Vocabulary met early in The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5)

Words and structures a reader meets early in The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5), each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

George
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sweepstake
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sweet
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Trinity
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Volume 1 (of 5); the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.