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The Roadmender
The Roadmender

Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

Chapter 13 of The Roadmender is here in full — 57 sentences across 12 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Roadmender
Context Illustration Reading 1/11 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.
I am back in my own place very near my roadthe white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.
The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.
Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.
It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.
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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 Roadmender

Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

Chapter 13 of The Roadmender is here in full — 57 sentences across 12 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/11 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.
Line 2
I am back in my own place very near my roadthe white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.
Line 3
The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.
Line 4
Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.
Line 5
It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

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.

Scent noun US /sɛnt/

A distinctive smell or aroma.

From this reading “The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.”

All words in this reading · 125

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.

A

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

after

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

against

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

air

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

am

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

and

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

as

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

Away

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

back

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

bees

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

bestow

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

between

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

blue

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

burden

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

carpet

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

child

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

come

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

coming

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

country

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

dawned

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

day

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

death

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

Demeter's

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

distant

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

down

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

Downs

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

early

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

Earth

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

eyes

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

fallen

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

flowers

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

for

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

foretaste

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

fragrant

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

free

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

gate

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

gifts

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

gladden

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

golden

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

grass

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

GREAT

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

green

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

grey

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

grip

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

has

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

have

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

hear

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

her

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

here

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

home

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

I

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

in

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

is

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

It

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

its

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

joy

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

keep

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

lap

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

lean

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

learnt

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

lie

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

lies

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

life

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

like

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

loose

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

loves

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

lying

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

me

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

meadow

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

mercy

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

message

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

more

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

Mother

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

my

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

nay

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

near

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

not

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

obtained

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

of

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

on

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

one

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

our

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

overhead

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

own

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

Persephone

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

place

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

poplars

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

powdered

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

radiance

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

rest

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

road

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

scentnounUS /sɛnt/

A distinctive smell or aroma.

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

scythe

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

sea

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

sense

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

set

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

shimmering

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

sighing

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

sing

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

song

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

sound

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

sun's

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

sycamore

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

the

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

this

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

those

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

tired

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

From this reading The day of Persephone has dawned for me, and I, set free like Demeter’s child, gladden my eyes with this foretaste of coming radiance, and rest my tired sense with the scent and sound of home.

to

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

toil

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

unexpected

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

very

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

vision

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

ward

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

warm

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

From this reading Away down the meadow I hear the early scythe song, and the warm air is fragrant with the fallen grass.

watch

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

we

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

where

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

which

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

From this reading A GREAT joy has come to me; one of those unexpected gifts which life loves to bestow after we have learnt to loose our grip of her.

white

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

who

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

with

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

within

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

write

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

yellow

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

From this reading I am back in my own place very near my road—the white gate lies within my distant vision; near the lean grey Downs which keep watch and ward between the country and the sea; very near, nay, in the lap of Mother Earth, for as I write I am lying on a green carpet, powdered yellow and white with the sun’s own flowers; overhead a great sycamore where the bees toil and sing; and sighing shimmering poplars golden grey against the blue.

yet

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

From this reading It has its own message for me as I lie here, I who have obtained yet one more mercy, and the burden of it is life, not death.

Chapter 13 of The Roadmender by Michael Fairless holds 57 sentences, grouped into 12 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 13 of The Roadmender contain?

Chapter 13 holds 57 sentences of The Roadmender, unabridged, divided into 12 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 13 of The Roadmender by Michael Fairless exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 57 sentences, grouped into 12 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 13 of The Roadmender?

Work through the 12 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 12 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 13 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 13 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 Roadmender

Common questions about reading The Roadmender by Michael Fairless on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Roadmender?

Yes. All 859 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #705 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Roadmender is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #705, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Roadmender take to read?

About 71 minutes of reading across 172 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Roadmender section by section

How to work through The Roadmender section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 16 chapters of The Roadmender 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 Roadmender

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Roadmender, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Attained
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Roadmender; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Ideal
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Roadmender; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Roadmender
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Roadmender; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stonebreaker
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Roadmender; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.