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Verses 1889-1896
Verses 1889-1896

Chapter XV · Chapter 15

Chapter 15 of Verses 1889-1896 is here in full — 90 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Verses 1889-1896
Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.
Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.
What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?
In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.
But, Gawd, what things are they I 'aven't done?
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Verses 1889-1896

Chapter XV · Chapter 15

Chapter 15 of Verses 1889-1896 is here in full — 90 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.
Line 2
Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.
Line 3
What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?
Line 4
In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.
Line 5
But, Gawd, what things are they I 'aven't done?

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.

bothered adjective US /ˈbɑːðərd/

caused to show discomposure

From this reading “In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.”

cash noun US /kæʃ/

money in the form of bills or coins

From this reading “In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.”

chances noun US /ˈtʃænsəz/

plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading “What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?”

credit noun US /ˈkredət/

approval

From this reading “In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.”

fret verb US /fret/

worry unnecessarily or excessively

From this reading “In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.”

roads noun US /roʊdz/

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading “SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.”

tucker noun US /ˈtʌkər/

United States anarchist influential before World War I (1854-1939)

From this reading “In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.”

ways noun US /weɪz/

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading “What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?”

All words in this reading · 99

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.

abit

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

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

ain't

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

AndeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

appy

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

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

aren't

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

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

ave

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

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

aven't

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

From this reading But, Gawd, what things are they I 'aven't done?

bednounUS /bed/

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

botheredadjectiveUS /ˈbɑːðərd/

caused to show discomposure

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

cannot

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

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

cashnounUS /kæʃ/

money in the form of bills or coins

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

chancesnounUS /ˈtʃænsəz/

plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

comeverbUS /kʌm/

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

creditnounUS /ˈkredət/

approval

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

didn't

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

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

dieverbUS /daɪ/

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

drewnounUS /druː/

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

ealth

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

emnounUS /em/

a quad with a square body

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

ence

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

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

fretverbUS /fret/

worry unnecessarily or excessively

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

Gawd

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

From this reading But, Gawd, what things are they I 'aven't done?

generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

goverbUS /ɡoʊ/

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

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

hanounUS /hɑː/

(astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

livedverbUS /lɪvd/

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

lovin

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

mattersnounUS /ˈmætərz/

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

NorconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

o'eradverb

throughout a period of time

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

observin

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

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

ow

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

pretendin

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

prophesyverb

predict or reveal through, or as if through, divine inspiration

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

roadsnounUS /roʊdz/

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

SESTINA

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

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

some'ow

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

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

Speakin

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

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

Takinnoun

large heavily built goat antelope of eastern Himalayan area

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

TRAMP-ROYAL

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

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

triedadjectiveUS /traɪd/

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

tuckernounUS /ˈtʌkər/

United States anarchist influential before World War I (1854-1939)

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

UnlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

watchverbUS /wɑːtʃ/

look attentively

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

waysnounUS /weɪz/

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

we've

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

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all -- The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world -- Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world.

you'd

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

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading In cash or credit -- no, it aren't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

Chapter 15 of Verses 1889-1896 by Rudyard Kipling holds 90 sentences, grouped into 18 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 15 of Verses 1889-1896 contain?

Chapter 15 holds 90 sentences of Verses 1889-1896, unabridged, divided into 18 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 15 of Verses 1889-1896 by Rudyard Kipling exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 90 sentences, grouped into 18 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 15 of Verses 1889-1896?

Work through the 18 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 18 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 15 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 15 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.