Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Micah Clarke
Micah Clarke

Chapter VII · Of our Start for the Wars

Cover illustration for Micah Clarke
Context Illustration Reading 1/46 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.
One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.
Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.
We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.
Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Micah Clarke

Chapter VII · Of our Start for the Wars

Reading 1/46 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.
Line 2
One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.
Line 3
Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.
Line 4
We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.
Line 5
Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

Learner Dictionary

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

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.”

Around preposition US /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading “We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.”

Beneath preposition US /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading “All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.”

Beyond preposition US /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading “One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

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

From this reading “Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.”

Thinking noun US /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.”

All words in this reading · 120

Every word is available to listen to. 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 We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

ablaze

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

All

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

arms

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

assumed

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

away

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

barrels

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

beacon

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

Bere

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

Berkshire

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

bound

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

Butser

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

carried

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

clank

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

composed

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

darkness

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

Decimus

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

demeanour

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

doubtless

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

eastward

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

eye

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

faggots

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

far

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

father

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

fires

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

flung

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

Forest

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

galloped

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

harbour

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

heaps

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

hearing

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

Hill

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

horses

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

how

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

huzza

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

invader

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

jest

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

just

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

King's

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

landing

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

light

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

lights

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

loud

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

many

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

Master

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

north

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

officers

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

OnepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

opposite

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

others

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

piled

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

poles

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

Portchester

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

Portsdown

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

Portsmouth

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

precise

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

presence

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

proclaimed

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

rattled

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

reach

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

rhyme

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

ridge

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

Saxon

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

scrap

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

set

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

ships

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

showed

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

signal

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

some

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

song

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

sparks

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

summit

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

Sussex

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

tar

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading Of these fires, some were composed of faggots piled into heaps, and others of tar barrels set upon poles.

thinkingnounUS /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

throbbed

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

tidings

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

tramp

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

twinkling

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

up

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

watchers

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading One great beacon throbbed upon the summit of Butser, while beyond that, as far as eye could reach, twinkling sparks of light showed how the tidings were being carried north into Berkshire and eastward into Sussex.

West

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

From this reading We passed one of these last just opposite to Portchester, and the watchers around it, hearing the tramp of our horses and the clank of our arms, set up a loud huzza, thinking doubtless that we were King’s officers bound for the West.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.

winds

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

From this reading Master Decimus Saxon had flung to the winds the precise demeanour which he had assumed in the presence of my father, and rattled away with many a jest and scrap of rhyme or song as we galloped through the darkness.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading All along the ridge of Portsdown Hill we had the lights of Portsmouth and of the harbour ships twinkling beneath us on the left, while on the right the Forest of Bere was ablaze with the signal fires which proclaimed the landing of the invader.