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Vittoria — Complete
Vittoria — Complete

Chapter XL · Chapter 40

Chapter 40 of Vittoria — Complete is here in full — 173 sentences across 35 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/34 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.
High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.
Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.
But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.
They saw nothing of hands stretched out to succour.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Vittoria — Complete

Chapter XL · Chapter 40

Chapter 40 of Vittoria — Complete is here in full — 173 sentences across 35 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/34 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.
Line 2
High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.
/haɪ əˈmʌŋ ðə mɪsts ənd snoʊz wɜːr ðə ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪvz ʌv ˈbrestʃə ənd ðoʊz huː fɔːr lʌv ɔːr ˈpɪti ˈstrʌɡəld tuː seɪv ðem ˈwɑːndərd θruː ðə ˈbluːmɪŋ veɪlz səmˈtaɪmz ˈhiːrɪŋ ðæt ðeɪ hæd krɔːst ðə frənˈtɪr ˈɪntuː ˈfriːdəm ənd æz ˈɔːfən ðæt ðeɪ wɜːr ˈskætərd loʊ ɪn deθ ənd kæpˈtɪvəti/
Line 3
Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.
/ˈɔːstriə hiːr ˈswɪtsərlənd ˈjɑːndər ənd bʌt wʌn depθ bɪˈtwiːn tuː baʊnd əˈkrɔːs ənd wɪn kɑːm ˈbriːðɪŋ/
Line 4
But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.
/bʌt ˈmaʊntən maɪt kɔːl tuː ˈmaʊntən piːk ʃaɪn tuː piːk ə ˈɡɜːrdəl ʌv stiːl droʊv ðə ˈhʌntəd men bæk tuː ˈfrɔːsti haɪts ənd klaʊdz ðə ˈʃɪftɪŋ ˈbʊzəm ʌv snoʊz ənd ˈlaɪtnɪŋz/
Line 5
They saw nothing of hands stretched out to succour.

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.

Brescia noun US /ˈbrestʃə/

an ancient Italian city in central Lombardy

From this reading “High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.”

captivity noun US /kæpˈtɪvəti/

the state of being imprisoned

From this reading “High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.”

fangs noun US /fæŋz/

plural of “fang” — a Bantu language spoken in Cameroon

From this reading “THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.”

frosty adjective US /ˈfrɔːsti/

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading “But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.”

fugitives noun US /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪvz/

plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading “High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.”

lightnings noun US /ˈlaɪtnɪŋz/

plural of “lightning” — abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light

From this reading “But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.”

snows noun US /snoʊz/

plural of “snow” — precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading “High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.”

vales noun US /veɪlz/

plural of “vale” — a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading “High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.”

All words in this reading · 111

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 THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

AustrianounUS /ˈɔːstriə/

a mountainous republic in central Europe; under the Habsburgs (1278-1918) Austria maintained control of the Holy Roman Empire and was a leader in European politics until the 19th century

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

backadverbUS /bæk/

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

bloomingnounUS /ˈbluːmɪŋ/

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

bosomnounUS /ˈbʊzəm/

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

boundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/

confined by bonds

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

breathingnounUS /ˈbriːðɪŋ/

the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

BrescianounUS /ˈbrestʃə/

an ancient Italian city in central Lombardy

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

callverbUS /kɔːl/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

calmverbUS /kɑːm/

make calm or still

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

captivitynounUS /kæpˈtɪvəti/

the state of being imprisoned

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

cloudsnounUS /klaʊdz/

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

crossedadjectiveUS /krɔːst/

placed crosswise

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

deepadjectiveUS /diːp/

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

depthnounUS /depθ/

the extent downward or backward or inward

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

drovenounUS /droʊv/

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

fangsnounUS /fæŋz/

plural of “fang” — a Bantu language spoken in Cameroon

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

flatadjectiveUS /flæt/

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

flowersnounUS /ˈflaʊərz/

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

freedomnounUS /ˈfriːdəm/

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

frontiernounUS /frənˈtɪr/

a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

frostyadjectiveUS /ˈfrɔːsti/

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

fruitnounUS /fruːt/

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

fugitivesnounUS /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪvz/

plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

girdlenounUS /ˈɡɜːrdəl/

an encircling or ringlike structure

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

halfadjectiveUS /hæf/

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

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 They saw nothing of hands stretched out to succour.

hangsnounUS /hæŋz/

plural of “hang” — a special way of doing something

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

hearingnounUS /ˈhiːrɪŋ/

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

heightsnounUS /haɪts/

a high place

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

hereadverbUS /hiːr/

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

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

HighadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

huntedadjectiveUS /ˈhʌntəd/

reflecting the fear or terror of one who is hunted

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

icenounUS /aɪs/

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

ItaliannounUS /ˌɪˈtæljən/

a native or inhabitant of Italy

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

LASTadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

lightningsnounUS /ˈlaɪtnɪŋz/

plural of “lightning” — abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

lovenounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

mistsnounUS /mɪsts/

plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

mountainnounUS /ˈmaʊntən/

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

mountain-sides

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

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

mountainsnounUS /ˈmaʊntənz/

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading They saw nothing of hands stretched out to succour.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading They saw nothing of hands stretched out to succour.

overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/

above your head; in the sky

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

peaknounUS /piːk/

the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

pitynounUS /ˈpɪti/

a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

riversnounUS /ˈrɪvərz/

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

rosenounUS /roʊz/

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

runsnounUS /rʌnz/

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

sawverbUS /sɔː/

cut with a saw

From this reading They saw nothing of hands stretched out to succour.

scatteredadjectiveUS /ˈskætərd/

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

shiftingadjectiveUS /ˈʃɪftɪŋ/

continuously varying

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

shineverbUS /ʃaɪn/

be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

snowsnounUS /snoʊz/

plural of “snow” — precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

sourcesnounUS /ˈsɔːrsəz/

plural of “source” — the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

SpringnounUS /sprɪŋ/

the season of growth

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

steelnounUS /stiːl/

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading But mountain might call to mountain, peak shine to peak; a girdle of steel drove the hunted men back to frosty heights and clouds, the shifting bosom of snows and lightnings.

streamnounUS /striːm/

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

stretchedadjectiveUS /stretʃt/

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading They saw nothing of hands stretched out to succour.

struggledverbUS /ˈstrʌɡəld/

past form of “struggle” — make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

succournoun

assistance in time of difficulty

From this reading They saw nothing of hands stretched out to succour.

sunlightnounUS /ˈsʌnlaɪt/

the rays of the sun

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

SwitzerlandnounUS /ˈswɪtsərlənd/

a landlocked federal republic in central Europe

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

ThereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

valesnounUS /veɪlz/

plural of “vale” — a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

valley-walls

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

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

walksnounUS /wɔːks/

plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

wanderedverbUS /ˈwɑːndərd/

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading High among the mists and snows were the fugitives of Brescia, and those who for love or pity struggled to save them wandered through the blooming vales, sometimes hearing that they had crossed the frontier into freedom, and as often that they were scattered low in death and captivity.

winverbUS /wɪn/

be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

winternounUS /ˈwɪntər/

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE LAST There is hard winter overhead in the mountains when Italian Spring walks the mountain-sides with flowers, and hangs deep valley-walls with flowers half fruit; the sources of the rivers above are set about with fangs of ice, while the full flat stream runs to a rose of sunlight.

yonderadjectiveUS /ˈjɑːndər/

distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)

From this reading Austria here, Switzerland yonder, and but one depth between to bound across and win calm breathing.

Chapter 40 of Vittoria — Complete by George Meredith holds 173 sentences, grouped into 35 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 40 of Vittoria — Complete contain?

Chapter 40 holds 173 sentences of Vittoria — Complete, unabridged, divided into 35 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 40 of Vittoria — Complete by George Meredith exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 173 sentences, grouped into 35 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 40 of Vittoria — Complete?

Work through the 35 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 35 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 40 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 40 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 Vittoria — Complete

Common questions about reading Vittoria — Complete by George Meredith on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Vittoria — Complete?

Yes. All 11958 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #4443 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Vittoria — Complete is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #4443, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Vittoria — Complete take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2392 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Vittoria — Complete section by section

How to work through Vittoria — Complete section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Vittoria — Complete 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 Vittoria — Complete

Words and structures a reader meets early in Vittoria — Complete, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Middle
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Vittoria — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stature
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Vittoria — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Frail
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Vittoria — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stood
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Vittoria — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.