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The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser
The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser is here in full — 22 sentences across 5 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser
Context Illustration Reading 1/4 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.
The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser is here in full — 22 sentences across 5 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/4 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
Line 2
His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
Line 3
It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
Line 4
A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.
Line 5
The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

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.

beaux noun US /boʊ/

plural of “beau” — a man who is the lover of a man or woman

From this reading “It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.”

cravat noun US /krəˈvæt/

A short, wide strip of silk fabric worn by gentlemen around the neck inside an open-collared shirt.

From this reading “His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.”

mutinies noun US /ˈmjuːtəniz/

plural of “mutiny” — open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)

From this reading “His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.”

niceness noun US /ˈnaɪsnəs/

a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage

From this reading “HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.”

odours noun US /ˈoʊdərs/

plural of “odour” — the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading “The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.”

quelling noun US /ˈkwelɪŋ/

forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority

From this reading “His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.”

ruffle verb US /ˈrʌfəl/

stir up (water) so as to form ripples

From this reading “His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.”

undone adjective US /ənˈdʌn/

not done

From this reading “HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.”

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.

fell upon verb + particle

In this reading “His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.”

ENTERED INTO verb + particle counted as “enter into”

In this reading “HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.”

slip into verb + particle

In this reading “A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.”

for a moment preposition + article + noun counted as “for … moment”

temporarily

In this reading “HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.”

puts on verb + particle counted as “put on”

put clothing on one's body

In this reading “It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.”

All words in this reading · 126

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 HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

airnounUS /er/

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

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 It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

beauxnounUS /boʊ/

plural of “beau” — a man who is the lover of a man or woman

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

Carmontelle

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

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

CHEVALIERnounUS /ˌʃevəˈlɪr/

French actor and cabaret singer (1888-1972)

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

cloaknounUS /kloʊk/

anything that covers or conceals

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

cravatnounUS /krəˈvæt/

A short, wide strip of silk fabric worn by gentlemen around the neck inside an open-collared shirt.

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

cruellyadverbUS /ˈkruːli/

excessively

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

curledadjectiveUS /kɜːrld/

(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

day'snounUS /deɪz/

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

Deffand's

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

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

delicateadjectiveUS /ˈdeləkət/

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

deliciousadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪʃəs/

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.

doubtfullyadverb

in a doubtful manner

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

drawingnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

dreamnounUS /driːm/

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

dressverbUS /dres/

put on clothes

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

dressing-tables

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

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

drippingnounUS /ˈdrɪpɪŋ/

a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

drowsilyadverb

in a drowsy manner

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

du

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

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

earthnounUS /ɜːrθ/

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/

Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

ENTEREDverbUS /ˈentərd/

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

exileverbUS /ˈeɡzaɪl/

expel from a country

From this reading A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.

exquisiteadjectiveUS /ˈekskwəzət/

intense or sharp

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

fairiesnounUS /ˈferiz/

plural of “fairy” — a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

fearverbUS /fɪr/

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

fellverbUS /fel/

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

finelyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnli/

in tiny pieces

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

fingersnounUS /ˈfɪŋɡərz/

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

flowersnounUS /ˈflaʊərz/

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

footfalls

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

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

gatewaynounUS /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/

an entrance that can be closed by a gate

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

goldnounUS /ɡoʊld/

coins made of gold

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

graciousadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪʃəs/

characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

hairnounUS /her/

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

heavyadjectiveUS /ˈhevi/

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

HILLnounUS /hɪl/

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

horsenounUS /hɔːrs/

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

HOW

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

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

influencesnounUS /ˈɪnfluːənsɪz/

plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

INTOprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

LanounUS /lɑː/

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

labouredadjective

lacking natural ease

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

lestconjunctionUS /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

lightedadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪtəd/

set afire or burning

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

Marquisenoun

a noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

mistsnounUS /mɪsts/

plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

mutiniesnounUS /ˈmjuːtəniz/

plural of “mutiny” — open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

nervouslyadverbUS /ˈnɜːrvəsli/

in an anxiously nervous manner

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

nicenessnounUS /ˈnaɪsnəs/

a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

odoursnounUS /ˈoʊdərs/

plural of “odour” — the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

offadverbUS /ɔːf/

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

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

ombre

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

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

perfumenounUS /pərˈfjuːm/

a distinctive odor that is pleasant

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

perukenoun

a wig for men that was fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

playedadjectiveUS /pleɪd/

(of games) engaged in

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

preciseadjectiveUS /prɪˈsaɪs/

sharply exact or accurate or delimited

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

putsnounUS /pʊts/

plural of “put” — the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

quellingnounUS /ˈkwelɪŋ/

forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

ruffleverbUS /ˈrʌfəl/

stir up (water) so as to form ripples

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

seatedadjectiveUS /ˈsiːtɪd/

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

shadowsnounUS /ˈʃædoʊz/

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

shouldersnounUS /ˈʃoʊldərz/

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

slenderadjectiveUS /ˈslendər/

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

slimadjectiveUS /slɪm/

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

slipverbUS /slɪp/

move stealthily

From this reading A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.

stirredadjectiveUS /stɜːrd/

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/

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

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

TANNHÄUSER

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

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

taper-time

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

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.

tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

toiletnounUS /ˈtɔɪlət/

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

travelverbUS /ˈtrævəl/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

troubledadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌbəld/

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

undoneadjectiveUS /ənˈdʌn/

not done

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

VENUSnounUS /ˈviːnəs/

the second nearest planet to the sun

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

Venusberg

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

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

voicesnounUS /ˈvɔɪsəz/

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

wanderedverbUS /ˈwɑːndərd/

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

wavedverbUS /weɪvd/

past form of “wave” — signal with the hands or nod

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.

woodsnounUS /wʊdz/

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.

Chapter 2 of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser by Aubrey Beardsley holds 22 sentences, grouped into 5 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 2 of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser contain?

Chapter 2 holds 22 sentences of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser, unabridged, divided into 5 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser by Aubrey Beardsley exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 22 sentences, grouped into 5 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 2 of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser?

Work through the 5 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 5 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 Story of Venus and Tannhäuser

Common questions about reading The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser by Aubrey Beardsley on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser?

Yes. All 432 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #50210 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #50210, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser take to read?

About 36 minutes of reading across 87 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser section by section

How to work through The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 11 chapters of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser 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 Story of Venus and Tannhäuser

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Forth
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Exact
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Account
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Manner
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.