Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses
The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses is here in full — 242 sentences across 49 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses
Context Illustration Reading 1/48 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
INTRODUCTORY.
Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.
In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."
For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.
The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses is here in full — 242 sentences across 49 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/48 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
INTRODUCTORY.
/ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri/
Line 2
Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.
Line 3
In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."
Line 4
For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.
Line 5
The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

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.

adequately adverb US /ˈædəkwətli/

in an adequate manner or to an adequate degree

From this reading “The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.”

Dong noun US /dɔːŋ/

the basic unit of money in Vietnam

From this reading “In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."”

includes verb US /ˌɪnˈkluːdz/

third-person singular of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading “In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."”

introductory adjective US /ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri/

serving to open or begin

From this reading “INTRODUCTORY.”

Kangaroo noun US /ˌkæŋɡərˈuː/

any of several herbivorous leaping marsupials of Australia and New Guinea having large powerful hind legs and a long thick tail

From this reading “In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."”

Lear's noun US /liːrz/

possessive form of “lear” — British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)

From this reading “Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.”

Pelican noun US /ˈpeləkən/

large long-winged warm-water seabird having a large bill with a distensible pouch for fish

From this reading “Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.”

titular adjective US /ˈtɪtʃələr/

of or relating to a legal title to something

From this reading “In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."”

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.

Pussy Cat noun + noun

In this reading “In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."”

cordial reception adjective + noun

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

In this reading “Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.”

In addition preposition + noun

In this reading “In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."”

For the benefit preposition + article + noun counted as “for … benefit”

In this reading “For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.”

other works adjective + noun

In this reading “The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.”

issue of verb + particle

In this reading “Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.”

All words in this reading · 109

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

adequatelyadverbUS /ˈædəkwətli/

in an adequate manner or to an adequate degree

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

adoptedadjectiveUS /əˈdɑːptɪd/

acquired as your own by free choice

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

ArtistnounUS /ˈɑːrtəst/

a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

benefitnounUS /ˈbenəfɪt/

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

bringingnounUS /ˈbrɪŋɪŋ/

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

BrookenounUS /brʊk/

English lyric poet (1887-1915)

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

CatnounUS /kæt/

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

ChorusnounUS /ˈkɔːrəs/

any utterance produced simultaneously by a group

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

completingadjectiveUS /kəmˈpliːtɪŋ/

acting as or providing a complement (something that completes the whole)

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

cordialadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəl/

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

customnounUS /ˈkʌstəm/

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

DongnounUS /dɔːŋ/

the basic unit of money in Vietnam

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

drawingsnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋz/

plural of “drawing” — an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

DuckverbUS /dʌk/

to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

EdwardnounUS /ˈedwərd/

King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

EncouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/

inspired with confidence

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

extendedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstendəd/

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

favourites

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

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

feelverbUS /fiːl/

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

fullyadverbUS /ˈfʊli/

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

headpiecenoun

the band that is the part of a bridle that fits around a horse's head

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

illustrateverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪt/

clarify by giving an example of

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

illustratedverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪtəd/

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

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

includesverbUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdz/

third-person singular of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

INTRODUCTORYadjectiveUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri/

serving to open or begin

From this reading INTRODUCTORY.

issueverbUS /ˈɪʃuː/

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

Jumblies

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

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

KangaroonounUS /ˌkæŋɡərˈuː/

any of several herbivorous leaping marsupials of Australia and New Guinea having large powerful hind legs and a long thick tail

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

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 Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

LearnounUS /lɪr/

British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

Lear'snounUS /liːrz/

possessive form of “lear” — British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

Leslie

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

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

linenounUS /laɪn/

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

LuminousadjectiveUS /ˈluːmənəs/

softly bright or radiant

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

memoriesnounUS /ˈmɛm.ə.riz/

Recollections of past events.

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

merelyadverbUS /ˈmɪrli/

and nothing more

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

newlyadverbUS /ˈnuːli/

very recently

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

NonsensenounUS /ˈnɑːnsens/

a message that seems to convey no meaning

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

NosenounUS /noʊz/

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

OtheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

others

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

OwlnounUS /aʊl/

nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

PelicannounUS /ˈpeləkən/

large long-winged warm-water seabird having a large bill with a distensible pouch for fish

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

piecenounUS /piːs/

a separate part of a whole

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/

almost; nearly

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

PressverbUS /pres/

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

primeadjectiveUS /praɪm/

first in rank or degree

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

PublicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

PublishersnounUS /ˈpʌblɪʃərz/

plural of “publisher” — a firm in the publishing business

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

PussynounUS /ˈpʊsi/

obscene terms for female genitals

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

re-issuing

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

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/

the manner in which something is greeted

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

repeatedadjectiveUS /rɪˈpiːtɪd/

recurring again and again

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

requestedadjectiveUS /rɪˈkwestɪd/

asked for

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

selectionnounUS /səˈlekʃən/

the act of choosing or selecting

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

servicenounUS /ˈsɜːrvəs/

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

similaradjectiveUS /ˈsɪmələr/

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

SongsnounUS /sɔːŋz/

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

thusadverbUS /ðʌs/

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

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

titularadjectiveUS /ˈtɪtʃələr/

of or relating to a legal title to something

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

VersesnounUS /ˈvɜːrsəz/

plural of “verse” — literature in metrical form

From this reading Encouraged by the cordial reception extended by Press and Public to their issue of the "Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear," newly illustrated, the Publishers have requested the Artist, Mr. L. Leslie Brooke, to do a similar service for a further selection from Lear's Nonsense Songs, thus practically completing them.

volumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading For the benefit of those whose memories of the Nonsense Songs are not as fresh as they should be, it may be repeated that Mr. Lear did not illustrate them as fully as was his custom; some, indeed, had no drawings at all, and others merely a headpiece.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In addition to "The Jumblies," which has been adopted as the titular piece, this volume includes such prime favourites as "The Owl and the Pussy Cat," "The Duck and the Kangaroo," and "The Dong with a Luminous Nose."

worksnounUS /wɜːrks/

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading The Publishers feel, therefore, that in re-issuing the songs adequately illustrated, they are but bringing them into line with Mr. Lear's other works.

Chapter 1 of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear holds 242 sentences, grouped into 49 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 1 of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses contain?

Chapter 1 holds 242 sentences of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses, unabridged, divided into 49 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 242 sentences, grouped into 49 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 1 of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses?

Work through the 49 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 49 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses

Common questions about reading The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses by Edward Lear on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses?

Yes. All 242 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #34906 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #34906, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses take to read?

About 20 minutes of reading across 49 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses section by section

How to work through The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 1 chapters of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Introductory
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Encouraged
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cordial
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Reception
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Jumblies, and Other Nonsense Verses; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.