Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Verses 1889-1896
Verses 1889-1896

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Verses 1889-1896 is here in full — 69 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Verses 1889-1896
Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
VOLUME XI.
TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.
TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, FUZZY-WUZZY We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:
GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?
LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, SNARLEYOW This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Verses 1889-1896

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Verses 1889-1896 is here in full — 69 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
VOLUME XI.
/ˈvɑːljuːm ʃiː/
Line 2
TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVERWhat are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.
Line 3
TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZYWe've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIERSoldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:
Line 4
GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?
Line 5
LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOWThis 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

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.

bugles noun US /ˈbjuːɡəlz/

plural of “bugle” — a brass instrument without valves; used for military calls and fanfares

From this reading “TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.”

cells noun US /selz/

plural of “cell” — any small compartment

From this reading “TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:”

concertina noun US /kɑːnsərˈtiːnə/

coiled barbed wire used as an obstacle

From this reading “TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:”

loot noun US /luːt/

goods or money obtained illegally

From this reading “LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?”

perspire verb US /pərˈspaɪr/

excrete perspiration through the pores in the skin

From this reading “GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?”

pint noun US /paɪnt/

a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 4 gills or 568.26 cubic centimeters

From this reading “TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:”

soldier's noun US /ˈsoʊldʒərz/

possessive form of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading “GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?”

windsor noun US /ˈwɪnzər/

a city in southeastern Ontario on the Detroit River opposite Detroit

From this reading “LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?”

All words in this reading · 103

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

acrost

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

appened

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

ATprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

Ave

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

backadverbUS /bæk/

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

BALESTIER

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

batt'ry

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

battlenounUS /ˈbætəl/

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

be'ind

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

beernounUS /bɪr/

a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

BeyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

blowin

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

buglesnounUS /ˈbjuːɡəlz/

plural of “bugle” — a brass instrument without valves; used for military calls and fanfares

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

button-stick

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

CELLSnounUS /selz/

plural of “cell” — any small compartment

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

comeverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

concertinanounUS /kɑːnsərˈtiːnə/

coiled barbed wire used as an obstacle

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

cooladjectiveUS /kuːl/

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

corpsnounUS /kɔːr/

an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

DANNY

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

darknessnounUS /ˈdɑːrknəs/

absence of light or illumination

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

DEEVER

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

DINnounUS /dɪn/

a loud harsh or strident noise

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

eard

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

eart

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

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

Files-on-Parade

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

foughtverbUS /fɔːt/

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

FUZZY-WUZZY

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

ginnounUS /dʒɪn/

strong liquor flavored with juniper berries

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

GUNGA

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

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

hurledverbUS /hɜːrld/

past form of “hurl” — throw forcefully

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

I've

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

im

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

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

keeper's

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

LOOTnounUS /luːt/

goods or money obtained illegally

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

makesnounUS /meɪks/

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

mornin

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

mountings

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

onounUS /oʊ/

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

OONTS

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

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

ousenoun

a river in northeastern England that flows generally southeastward to join the Trent River and form the Humber

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

outmostadjective

situated at the farthest possible point from a center

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

pathnounUS /pæθ/

a course of conduct

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

penk

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

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

perspireverbUS /pərˈspaɪr/

excrete perspiration through the pores in the skin

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

pheasant-egg

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

pintnounUS /paɪnt/

a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 4 gills or 568.26 cubic centimeters

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

pipenounUS /paɪp/

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

SCREW-GUNS

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

seasnounUS /siːz/

plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

Smokin

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

SNARLEYOW

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

sniffin

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

SOLDIERnounUS /ˈsoʊldʒər/

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

soldier'snounUS /ˈsoʊldʒərz/

possessive form of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

songnounUS /sɔːŋ/

a short musical composition with words

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

stolenounUS /stoʊl/

a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

sunnounUS /sʌn/

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

TnounUS /tiː/

a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

talkverbUS /tɔːk/

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

TOMMY

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

tonguenounUS /tʌŋ/

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

utterverbUS /ˈʌtər/

articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

VOLUMEnounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading VOLUME XI.

warsnounUS /wɔːrz/

plural of “war” — the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

We've

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

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

WIDOWnounUS /ˈwɪdoʊ/

a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

WINDSORnounUS /ˈwɪnzər/

a city in southeastern Ontario on the Detroit River opposite Detroit

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading TOMMY I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, “FUZZY-WUZZY” We've fought with many men acrost the seas, SOLDIER, SOLDIER “Soldier, soldier come from the wars, SCREW-GUNS Smokin' my pipe on the mountings, sniffin' the mornin' cool, CELLS I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:

WOLCOTT

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

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

Wot

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

From this reading GUNGA DIN You may talk o' gin and beer OONTS Wot makes the soldier's 'eart to penk, wot makes 'im to perspire?

XInounUS /ʃiː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and one

From this reading VOLUME XI.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading TO WOLCOTT BALESTIER Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled -- To T. A. I have made for you a song, DANNY DEEVER “What are the bugles blowin' for?” said Files-on-Parade.

you've

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

From this reading LOOT If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, “SNARLEYOW” This 'appened in a battle to a batt'ry of the corps, THE WIDOW AT WINDSOR 'Ave you 'eard o' the Widow at Windsor?

Chapter 1 of Verses 1889-1896 by Rudyard Kipling holds 69 sentences, grouped into 14 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Verses 1889-1896 contain?

Chapter 1 holds 69 sentences of Verses 1889-1896, unabridged, divided into 14 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Verses 1889-1896 by Rudyard Kipling exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 69 sentences, grouped into 14 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 1 of Verses 1889-1896?

Work through the 14 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 14 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 Verses 1889-1896

Common questions about reading Verses 1889-1896 by Rudyard Kipling on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Verses 1889-1896?

Yes. All 2582 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #323 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Verses 1889-1896 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #323, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Verses 1889-1896 take to read?

About 215 minutes of reading across 517 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Verses 1889-1896 section by section

How to work through Verses 1889-1896 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 17 chapters of Verses 1889-1896 to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Verses 1889-1896

Words and structures a reader meets early in Verses 1889-1896, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Volume
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Verses 1889-1896; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Wolcott
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Verses 1889-1896; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Balestier
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Verses 1889-1896; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Beyond
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Verses 1889-1896; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.