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The Well at the World's End: A Tale
The Well at the World's End: A Tale

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Well at the World's End: A Tale is here in full — 208 sentences across 42 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Well at the World's End: A Tale
Context Illustration Reading 1/41 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.
Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.
But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.
He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.
He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.
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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 Well at the World's End: A Tale

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Well at the World's End: A Tale is here in full — 208 sentences across 42 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/41 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.
Line 2
Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.
Line 3
But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.
Line 4
He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.
Line 5
He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

All words in this reading · 123

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 Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

abiding

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

about

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

all

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

altar

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

an

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

and

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

armed

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

armour

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

arms

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

As

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

ask

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

axe

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

before

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

began

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

beside

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

big

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

black

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

blessing

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

bright

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

But

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

by

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

came

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

Canons

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

chin

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

church

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

church-door

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

churchyard-gate

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

coat

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

coming

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

country

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

covered

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

down

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

Downs

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

end

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

face

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

fair

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

for

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

from

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

gate

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

gold

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

good

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

great

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

green

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

had

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

hastily

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

he

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

head

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

heart

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

him

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

his

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

horse

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

house

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

hung

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

if

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

image

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

in

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

journey

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

Just

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

leafless

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

legs

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

lighted

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

little

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

lord

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

man

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

merry

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

might

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

neck

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

Nicholas

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

of

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

on

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

one

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

out

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

over

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

patron

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

plain

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

plates

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

presently

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

Ralph

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

Rideth

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

rise

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

road

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

rode

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

rose

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

saddle

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

said

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

sallet

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

save

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

saw

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

see

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

side

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

slopes

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

so

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

some

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

St

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

steel

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

stream

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

striding

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

swiftly

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

sword

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

that

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

the

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

them

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

thereby

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

therein

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

thereon

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

thereto

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

thorp

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

tied

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

From this reading But as he came up to the churchyard-gate he saw a great black horse tied thereto as if abiding some one; and as he lighted down from his saddle he saw a man coming hastily from out the church-door and striding swiftly toward the said gate.

to

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

top

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

toward

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

tree

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

up

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

was

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

were

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

which

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

From this reading He was a big man, and armed; for he had a bright steel sallet on his head, which covered his face all save the end of his chin; and plates he had on his legs and arms.

white

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

who

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

From this reading Just before the slopes began to rise was a little thorp beside a stream, and thereby a fair church and a little house of Canons: so Ralph rode toward the church to see if therein were an altar of St. Nicholas, who was his good lord and patron, that he might ask of him a blessing on his journey.

winding

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

with

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

From this reading Ralph Rideth the Downs As for Ralph, he rode on with a merry heart, and presently came to an end of the plain country, and the great downs rose up before him with a white road winding up to the top of them.

wore

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

wrought

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

From this reading He wore a green coat over his armour, and thereon was wrought in gold an image of a tree leafless: he had a little steel axe about his neck, and a great sword hung by his side.

Chapter 2 of The Well at the World's End: A Tale by William Morris holds 208 sentences, grouped into 42 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 2 of The Well at the World's End: A Tale contain?

Chapter 2 holds 208 sentences of The Well at the World's End: A Tale, unabridged, divided into 42 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Well at the World's End: A Tale by William Morris exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 208 sentences, grouped into 42 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 Well at the World's End: A Tale?

Work through the 42 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 42 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 Well at the World's End: A Tale

Common questions about reading The Well at the World's End: A Tale by William Morris on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Well at the World's End: A Tale?

Yes. All 6743 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #169 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Well at the World's End: A Tale is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #169, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Well at the World's End: A Tale take to read?

About 561 minutes of reading across 1349 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Well at the World's End: A Tale section by section

How to work through The Well at the World's End: A Tale section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Well at the World's End: A Tale 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 Well at the World's End: A Tale

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Well at the World's End: A Tale, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Little
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Well at the World's End: A Tale; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Ruled
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Well at the World's End: A Tale; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Regulus
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Well at the World's End: A Tale; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Kinglet
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Well at the World's End: A Tale; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.