Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

(old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

in addition

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

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

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

plural of “baron” — a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

a youthful male person

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

-ing form of “contend” — maintain or assert

From this reading The Revenge of the Mountain "Contending with the fretful elements."

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

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

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading The Revenge of the Mountain "Contending with the fretful elements."

in or to another place

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

plural of “engagement” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

divisible by two

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

moving swiftly

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

set up or found

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

nervous and unable to relax

From this reading The Revenge of the Mountain "Contending with the fretful elements."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

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 Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

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

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

unflinching in battle or action

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

plural of “gather” — sewing consisting of small folds or puckers made by pulling tight a thread in a line of stitching

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

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

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

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

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

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

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

having no bearing on or connection with the subject at issue

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

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

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading The Revenge of the Mountain "Contending with the fretful elements."

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Revenge of the Mountain "Contending with the fretful elements."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

above and across; more than

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

by chance

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

literature in metrical form

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

any object that is left unused or still extant

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

action taken in return for an injury or offense

From this reading The Revenge of the Mountain "Contending with the fretful elements."

fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

express in words

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

only a very short time before

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)

From this reading --SHAKESPEARE.

a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with “like” or “as”)

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading The Revenge of the Mountain "Contending with the fretful elements."

in a thoughtless manner

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

free of encumbrance

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

at the time that

From this reading It is enough to say, in proof of the proverb, that when the Boy and I arrived at the villa in time for _déjeuner_, to which I had been invited over night, we found Paolo with Gaetà, under the red umbrella, unencumbered by any irrelevant Barons or Baronesses.

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

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Revenge of the Mountain "Contending with the fretful elements."

any of numerous relatively small elongated soft-bodied animals especially of the phyla Annelida and Chaetognatha and Nematoda and Nemertea and Platyhelminthes; also many insect larvae

From this reading It is the early bird which gathers the worm, if the worm has thoughtlessly got up early too; but it is also the bird which comes flying from afar off, whatever his engagements elsewhere may be; the bird which, having come, remains on the spot favoured by the worm, singing sweet songs to charm it into a mood ripe for the gathering.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Such a bird was Paolo, and such--but perhaps it would be more gallant not to carry the simile further, since even poetry could scarcely license it.