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Wilderness of Spring
Wilderness of Spring

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Wilderness of Spring is here in full — 395 sentences across 79 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/79 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.
No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.
--AESCHYLUS, _Prometheus Bound_.
_Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.
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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.

Wilderness of Spring

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Wilderness of Spring is here in full — 395 sentences across 79 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/79 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Line 2
For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.
/fɔːr ɪf aɪ æm ɪn sɔːr plaɪt aɪ wʊd nɑːt ˈðerfɔːr wɪʃ əˈflɪkʃən tuː biː ðə lɑːt ʌv ɔːl ðə wɜːrld/
Line 3
No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.
Line 4
--AESCHYLUS, _Prometheus Bound_.
Line 5
_Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

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.

affliction noun US /əˈflɪkʃən/

a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity

From this reading “For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.”

Atlas noun US /ˈætləs/

(Greek mythology) a Titan who was forced by Zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders

From this reading “No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.”

Catalog noun US /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/

a book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things

From this reading “_Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.”

Hawks noun US /hɔːks/

plural of “hawk” — diurnal bird of prey typically having short rounded wings and a long tail

From this reading “_Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.”

Inc noun US /ɪŋk/

a heterogeneous collection of groups united in their opposition to Saddam Hussein's government of Iraq; formed in 1992 it is comprised of Sunni and Shiite Arabs and Kurds who hope to build a new government

From this reading “_Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.”

plight noun US /plaɪt/

a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one

From this reading “For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.”

Prometheus noun US /prəˈmiːθiːəs/

(Greek mythology) the Titan who stole fire from Olympus and gave it to mankind; Zeus punished him by chaining him to a rock where an eagle gnawed at his liver until Hercules rescued him

toronto noun US /tərˈɑːntoʊ/

the provincial capital and largest city in Ontario (and the largest city in Canada)

From this reading “_Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.”

Word partnerships in these lines

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

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

towards the west preposition + article + noun counted as “towards … west”

In this reading “No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.”

All words in this reading · 85

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.

1704

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

5139

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

58

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

actualadjectiveUS /ˈæktʃəwəl/

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

AESCHYLUSnoun

Greek tragedian; the father of Greek tragic drama (525-456 BC)

From this reading --AESCHYLUS, _Prometheus Bound_.

afflictionnounUS /əˈflɪkʃən/

a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

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 For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

armsnounUS /ɑːrmz/

weapons considered collectively

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

AtlasnounUS /ˈætləs/

(Greek mythology) a Titan who was forced by Zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

bearingnounUS /ˈberɪŋ/

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

Belding

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

BoundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/

confined by bonds

From this reading --AESCHYLUS, _Prometheus Bound_.

brothernounUS /ˈbrʌðər/

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

burthennoun

a variant of “burden”

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

CanadanounUS /ˈkænədə/

a nation in northern North America; the French were the first Europeans to settle in mainland Canada

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

CardnounUS /kɑːrd/

one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

CatalognounUS /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/

a book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

Clarke

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

CompanynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

CongressnounUS /ˈkɑːŋɡrəs/

the legislature of the United States government

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

Deerfield

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

distressedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrest/

facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

earthnounUS /ɜːrθ/

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

easyadjectiveUS /ˈiːzi/

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

fatenounUS /feɪt/

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

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

figurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

graspverbUS /ɡræsp/

hold firmly

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

HawksnounUS /hɔːks/

plural of “hawk” — diurnal bird of prey typically having short rounded wings and a long tail

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

heavennounUS /ˈhevən/

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

historicaladjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪkəl/

of or relating to the study of history

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

Hoyt

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

IncnounUS /ɪŋk/

a heterogeneous collection of groups united in their opposition to Saddam Hussein's government of Iraq; formed in 1992 it is comprised of Sunni and Shiite Arabs and Kurds who hope to build a new government

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

Irwin

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

JohnnounUS /dʒɑːn/

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

LibrarynounUS /ˈlaɪbreriː/

a room where books are kept

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

lotnounUS /lɑːt/

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

Ltd

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

namesnounUS /neɪmz/

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

NEWadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

NOTEnounUS /noʊt/

a brief written record

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

NumbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

PastornounUS /ˈpæstər/

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

pillarnounUS /ˈpɪlər/

a fundamental principle or practice

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

plightnounUS /plaɪt/

a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

PrometheusnounUS /prəˈmiːθiːəs/

(Greek mythology) the Titan who stole fire from Olympus and gave it to mankind; Zeus punished him by chaining him to a rock where an eagle gnawed at his liver until Hercules rescued him

From this reading --AESCHYLUS, _Prometheus Bound_.

PublishedadjectiveUS /ˈpʌblɪʃt/

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

Rinehart

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

shouldersnounUS /ˈʃoʊldərz/

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

simultaneouslyadverbUS /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/

at the same instant

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

soreadjectiveUS /sɔːr/

hurting

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

standsnounUS /stændz/

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

Stebbins

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

TORONTOnounUS /tərˈɑːntoʊ/

the provincial capital and largest city in Ontario (and the largest city in Canada)

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

WellsnounUS /welz/

prolific English writer best known for his science-fiction novels; he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866-1946)

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

westnounUS /west/

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading No, indeed, no! since, besides, I am distressed by the fate of my brother Atlas, who, towards the west, stands bearing on his shoulders the pillar of heaven and earth, a burthen not easy for his arms to grasp.

WilliamsnounUS /ˈwɪljəmz/

United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953)

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

wishverbUS /wɪʃ/

hope for; have a wish

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading For if I am in sore plight, I would not therefore wish affliction to be the lot of all the world.

YORKnounUS /jɔːrk/

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading _Rinehart & Company, Inc._ NEW YORK TORONTO _Published simultaneously in Canada by Clarke, Irwin & Company, Ltd., Toronto_ Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 58-5139_ NOTE: Pastor John Williams of Deerfield is a historical figure; Belding, Stebbins, Hoyt, Wells and Hawks were actual names in the Deerfield of 1704.

Chapter 1 of Wilderness of Spring by Edgar Pangborn holds 395 sentences, grouped into 79 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Wilderness of Spring contain?

Chapter 1 holds 395 sentences of Wilderness of Spring, unabridged, divided into 79 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Wilderness of Spring by Edgar Pangborn exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 395 sentences, grouped into 79 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 Wilderness of Spring?

Work through the 79 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 79 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.

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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 Wilderness of Spring

Common questions about reading Wilderness of Spring by Edgar Pangborn on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Wilderness of Spring?

Yes. All 8768 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #39907 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Wilderness of Spring is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #39907, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Wilderness of Spring take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1754 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in Wilderness of Spring

Words and structures a reader meets early in Wilderness of Spring, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Plight
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Wilderness of Spring; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Therefore
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Wilderness of Spring; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Affliction
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Wilderness of Spring; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
World
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Wilderness of Spring; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.