Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading EPILOGUE, WHEN IT WAS FIRST ACTED.

anew

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

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

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

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

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

plural of “beauty” — the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

propose a payment

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

with boldness, in a bold manner

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

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

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

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

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

express strong disapproval of

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

carry on a conversation

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

used as expletives

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

-ing form of “dispute” — take exception to

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

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

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

put on clothes

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

cover completely or make imperceptible

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

a short speech (often in verse) addressed directly to the audience by an actor at the end of a play

From this reading EPILOGUE, WHEN IT WAS FIRST ACTED.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading EPILOGUE, WHEN IT WAS FIRST ACTED.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

in a free manner

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

unflinching in battle or action

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

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

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

highest in quality

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

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

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

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

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading EPILOGUE, WHEN IT WAS FIRST ACTED.

plural of “join” — the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

a book of the Old Testament that tells the history of Israel under the leaders known as judges

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

an opinion formed by judging something

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

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

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

engage in

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

joined in matrimony

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

come into possession of

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

and nothing more

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

a human being

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

possessive form of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

claim back

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

third-person singular of “refine” — improve or perfect by pruning or polishing

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

refrain from harming

From this reading But if their censures should condemn his play, Far from disputing, he does only pray He may Leander's destiny obtain: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.

utter obscenities or profanities

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

correct by punishment or discipline

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

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

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

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

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

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

From this reading EPILOGUE, WHEN IT WAS FIRST ACTED.

at the time that

From this reading EPILOGUE, WHEN IT WAS FIRST ACTED.

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

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There is not any person here so mean, But he may freely judge each act and scene: But if you bid him chuse his judges, then, He boldly names true English gentlemen: For he ne'er thought a handsome garb or dress So great a crime, to make their judgment less: And with these gallants he these ladies joins, To judge that language, their converse refines.

the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

of very poor quality or condition

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet, though our poet's threatened most by these, They are the only people he can please: For he, to humour them, has shown to-day, That which they only like, a wretched play: But though his play be ill, here have been shown The greatest wits, and beauties of the town; And his occasion having brought you here, You are too grateful to become severe.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The _Wild Gallant_ has quite played out his game; He's married now, and that will make him tame; Or if you think marriage will not reclaim him, The critics swear they'll damn him, but they'll tame him.