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The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18
The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 is here in full — 21 sentences across 5 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/4 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.
May 23, 16[55.]
If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.
Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.
But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 is here in full — 21 sentences across 5 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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

Line 1
TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.
Line 2
May 23, 16[55.]
Line 3
If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.
Line 4
Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.
Line 5
But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

admittance noun US /ədˈmɪtəns/

the right to enter

From this reading “TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.”

assuredly adverb US /əˈʃʊrədli/

without a doubt

From this reading “If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.”

copious adjective US /ˈkoʊpiəs/

large in number or quantity (especially of discourse)

From this reading “But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.”

crave verb US /kreɪv/

have a craving, appetite, or great desire for

From this reading “TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.”

dryden noun US /ˈdraɪdən/

the outstanding poet and dramatist of the Restoration (1631-1700)

From this reading “TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.”

indifferently adverb US /ˌɪnˈdɪfrəntli/

with indifference; in an indifferent manner

From this reading “Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.”

sanctity noun US /ˈsæŋktɪti/

the quality of being holy

From this reading “If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.”

thanksgiving noun US /ˌθæŋksˈɡɪvɪŋ/

fourth Thursday in November in the United States; second Monday in October in Canada; commemorates a feast held in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag

From this reading “But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

arrive at verb + particle

reach a destination, either real or abstract

In this reading “Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.”

fall short verb + adjective

fail to meet (expectations or standards)

In this reading “But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.”

All words in this reading · 107

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.

16

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

From this reading May 23, 16[55.]

23

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

From this reading May 23, 16[55.]

55

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

From this reading May 23, 16[55.]

56

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

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

acquiredadjectiveUS /əˈkwaɪərd/

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

ADMITTANCEnounUS /ədˈmɪtəns/

the right to enter

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

againe

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

Alasse

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

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

allways

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

arriveverbUS /ərˈaɪv/

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

assuredlyadverbUS /əˈʃʊrədli/

without a doubt

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

authour

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

badadjectiveUS /bæd/

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

beeing

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

Camb

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

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

clergyman's

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

comfortnounUS /ˈkʌmfərt/

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

copiousadjectiveUS /ˈkoʊpiəs/

large in number or quantity (especially of discourse)

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

CRAVEverbUS /kreɪv/

have a craving, appetite, or great desire for

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

doubtnounUS /daʊt/

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

DRYDENnounUS /ˈdraɪdən/

the outstanding poet and dramatist of the Restoration (1631-1700)

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

ereconjunctionUS /er/

an old word for “before”

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

exceedinglyadverbUS /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋli/

to an extreme degree

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

expressionsnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃənz/

plural of “expression” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

FAIRE

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

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

fallverbUS /fɔːl/

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

handleverbUS /ˈhændəl/

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

HANDSnounUS /hændz/

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

happinesse

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

haveing

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

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

HONORnounUS /ˈɑːnər/

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

indifferentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrəntli/

with indifference; in an indifferent manner

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

insteadadverbUS /ˌɪnˈsted/

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

kisse

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

letternounUS /ˈletər/

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

Levitenoun

a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi (especially the branch that provided male assistants to the temple priests)

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

linesnounUS /laɪnz/

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

longe

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

MADAMEnounUS /ˈmædəm/

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

makeing

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading May 23, 16[55.]

meantverbUS /ment/

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

messagenounUS /ˈmesədʒ/

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

miserableadjectiveUS /ˈmɪzərəbəl/

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

mouthnounUS /maʊθ/

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

pocketnounUS /ˈpɑːkət/

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

preachernounUS /ˈpriːtʃər/

someone whose occupation is preaching the gospel

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

proove

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

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

receivedadjectiveUS /rəˈsiːvd/

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

reverendnounUS /ˈrevərənd/

a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

sanctitynounUS /ˈsæŋktɪti/

the quality of being holy

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/

only a very short time before

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

sentnounUS /sent/

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

sermonnounUS /ˈsɜːrmən/

an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔːrt/

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

sweetadjectiveUS /swiːt/

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

textnounUS /tekst/

the words of something written

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

thanksgivingnounUS /ˌθæŋksˈɡɪvɪŋ/

fourth Thursday in November in the United States; second Monday in October in Canada; commemorates a feast held in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Alasse, Madame! for ought I know, they may become a sermon ere they could arrive at you; and believe it, haveing you for the text, it could scarcely proove bad, if it light upon one that could handle it indifferently.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

theire

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

THESEdeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading TO THE FAIRE HANDS OF MADAME HONOR DRYDEN THESE CRAVE ADMITTANCE.[56] MADAME, Camb.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

willinglyadverbUS /ˈwɪlɪŋli/

in a willing manner

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

wordnounUS /wɜːrd/

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

wroughtadjectiveUS /rɔːt/

shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If you have received the lines I sent by the reverend Levite, I doubt not but they have exceedingly wrought upon you; for beeing so longe in a clergyman’s pocket, assuredly they have acquired more sanctity than theire authour meant them.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading But I am so miserable a preacher, that though I have so sweet and copious a subject, I still fall short in my expressions; and, instead of an use of thanksgiving, I am allways makeing one of comfort, that I may one day againe have the happinesse to kisse your faire hand; but that is a message I would not so willingly do by letter, as by word of mouth.

Chapter 2 of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 by John Dryden holds 21 sentences, grouped into 5 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 contain?

Chapter 2 holds 21 sentences of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18, unabridged, divided into 5 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 by John Dryden exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 21 sentences, grouped into 5 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 2 of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18?

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

Each of the 5 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18

Common questions about reading The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 by John Dryden on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18?

Yes. All 4265 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #50637 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #50637, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 take to read?

About 355 minutes of reading across 853 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 section by section

How to work through The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18 to begin.

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    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Eighteen
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Volumes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Walter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Scott
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Works of John Dryden, Now First Collected — Volume 18; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.