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

Chapter XIV · Of our Brush with the King’s Dragoons

Cover illustration for Micah Clarke
Context Illustration Reading 1/45 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.
This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.
Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.
Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.
So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.
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 XIV · Of our Brush with the King’s Dragoons

Reading 1/45 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.
Line 2
This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.
Line 3
Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.
Line 4
Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.
Line 5
So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

Learner Dictionary

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

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.”

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.”

Amid preposition US /əˈmɪd/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading “Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.”

Amongst preposition US /əˈmʌŋst/

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading “So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.”

Fair noun US /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.”

Plainly noun US /ˈplainly/

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

From this reading “Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.”

Score noun US /score/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

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

From this reading “Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.”

Sudden noun US /sudden/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.”

All words in this reading · 116

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 Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

amongstprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋst/

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

any

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

armed

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

assemblage

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

back

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

branch

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

break

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

bright

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

bristle

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

brow

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

came

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

companions-in-arms

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

countryside

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

curved

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

distance

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

down

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

evening

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

fairnounUS /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

Farther

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

golden

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

ground

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

hard

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

hill

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

horsemen

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

instant

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

Just

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

level

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

light

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

lightning

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

lowering

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

manor-houses

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

mellowed

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

men

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

mile

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

motley

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

opening

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

other

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

out

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

outlined

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

peaceful

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

peeping

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

plainlynounUS /ˈplainly/

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

presence

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

proclaimed

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

quarter

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

ran

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

really

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

ridge

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

rising

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

road

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

scorenounUS /score/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

seen

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

setting

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

several

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

shimmer

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

side

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

sky

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

Some

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

sparkling

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

steel

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

steeples

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

suddennounUS /sudden/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

sun

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

sweep

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

then

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

there

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

thick

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

thundercloud

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

travelling

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

trees

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

trunks

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

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

turn

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

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

valley

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

village

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

war

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

well-wooded

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

From this reading This road curved down the side of a well-wooded hill, and then over the level for a quarter of a mile or so before opening on the other.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Just at the brow of the rising ground there stood a thick bristle of trees, amid the trunks of which there came and went a bright shimmer of sparkling steel, which proclaimed the presence of armed men.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Farther back, where the road took a sudden turn and ran along the ridge of the hill, several horsemen could be plainly seen outlined against the evening sky.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Some little distance from us a branch road ran into that along which we and our motley assemblage of companions-in-arms were travelling.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.

woods

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

From this reading So peaceful, however, was the long sweep of countryside, mellowed by the golden light of the setting sun, with a score of village steeples and manor-houses peeping out from amongst the woods, that it was hard to think that the thundercloud of war was really lowering over that fair valley, and that at any instant the lightning might break from it.