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South Wind
South Wind

Chapter XV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.
There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.
For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.
And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.
For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

South Wind

Chapter XV

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.
Line 2
There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.
Line 3
For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.
Line 4
And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.
Line 5
For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.”

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.”

Below preposition US /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading “For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.”

Bubbling noun US /ˈbubbling/

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

From this reading “Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.”

Disposed noun US /ˈdisposed/

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

From this reading “There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.”

Either determiner US /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading “There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.”

Scorched adjective US /skɔːrtʃt/

Burned by flames or heat; blackened by intense magical or physical fire.

From this reading “For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

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

From this reading “And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.”

Sure noun US /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading “There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.”

Whatever determiner US /ˌwʌˈtevər/

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading “For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.”

All words in this reading · 143

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 There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

abundant

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

affairs

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

all

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

attractions

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

away

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

blue

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

borne

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

bubblingnounUS /ˈbubbling/

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

cause

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

caverns

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

charming

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

cheap

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

compensation

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

conformable

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

cool

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

corrupt

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

couplet

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

disposednounUS /ˈdisposed/

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

downwards

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

earthly

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

else

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

experience

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

fact

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

feature

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

fires

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

flavour

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

flights

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

flowing

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

fountains

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

gives

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

God

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

hand

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

heaviness

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

humanist

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

humours

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

imaginary

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

indulged

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

instead

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

internal

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

islet

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

land

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

laughing

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

law

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From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

literature

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

LYMPHA

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

mankind

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

Mediterranean

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

merely

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

modern

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

natural

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

Nepenthe

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

NEPENTHI

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

noted

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

Now

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

NYMPHA

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

observers

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

old

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

other

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

out

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

peculiar

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

period

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

picturing

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

poetic

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

pointed

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

price

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

quantity

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

reason

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

regard

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

regulates

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

remains

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

renowned

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

rising

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

scholars

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

scorchedadjectiveUS /skɔːrtʃt/

Burned by flames or heat; blackened by intense magical or physical fire.

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

sea

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

sea-lady

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

several

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

shape

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

soil

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

some

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

springs

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

stone

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

streamlets

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

super-excellent

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

surenounUS /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

takes

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

text

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

There

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

thoughtful

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

tumble

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

universal

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

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

up

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

upwards

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

volcanic

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

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

waterless

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

waters

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

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

well

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

whateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading For it is a fact conformable to that law of compensation which regulates all earthly affairs, a fact borne out by the universal experience of mankind, that God, when He takes away with one hand, gives with the other.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading For whatever the cause may be--whether internal fires have scorched up the natural humours of the soil, or whether the waters of Nepenthe are of such peculiar heaviness that, instead of flowing upwards in the shape of fountains, they tumble downwards into caverns below the sea--the fact remains: Nepenthe is a waterless land.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.

why

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

wines

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

From this reading And this may well be the reason, as several thoughtful observers have already pointed out, why its wines are so abundant in quantity, so cheap in price, and of such super-excellent flavour.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Now, with regard to fountains, it is to be noted that Nepenthe, an islet of volcanic stone rising out of the blue Mediterranean, has never--for all its natural attractions--been renowned for cool springs and bubbling streamlets.

writer

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

From this reading There is, to be sure, a charming couplet in some old humanist about LYMPHA NEPENTHI; but modern scholars are disposed to think either that the text is corrupt and that the writer was picturing an imaginary NYMPHA--some laughing sea-lady--or else that he merely indulged in one of those poetic flights which are a feature of the literature of his period.