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 Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
Announcing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
appears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
beasts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
bidding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
bornnounUS /born/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
brief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
burned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
children
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
Christ
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
counsel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
cut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
Cæsar's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
d
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
deaf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
Deny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
deserve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
drewnounUS /drew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
ear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
earned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
ears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
envy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
fit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
fought
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
FromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
fruit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
gain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
Hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
Hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
holders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
IX
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
law
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
leave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
lieth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
loss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
martyr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Remember what a martyr said On the rude tablet overhead!
mean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
misery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
mistake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
MydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
natural
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
nerve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Remember what a martyr said On the rude tablet overhead!
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
overgloss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
overhead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Remember what a martyr said On the rude tablet overhead!
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
pearlnounUS /pɜːrl/
a smooth round object formed inside a shell and valued as a jewel
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
plain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
plant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
pleasure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
poornounUS /poor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
price
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
proclaim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
reject
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
release
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
RememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading Remember what a martyr said On the rude tablet overhead!
root
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
rude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Remember what a martyr said On the rude tablet overhead!
safe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Remember what a martyr said On the rude tablet overhead!
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
screen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
sickly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
slave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
soul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
suffer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
tablet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Remember what a martyr said On the rude tablet overhead!
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
thrill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
Turn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
twice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
UtterednounUS /ˈuttered/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
wickedness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading 'I was born sickly, poor and mean, A slave: no misery could screen The holders of the pearl of price From Cæsar's envy; therefore twice I fought with beasts, and three times saw My children suffer by his law; At last my own release was earned: I was some time in being burned, But at the close a Hand came through The fire above my head, and drew My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
world's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading But there be certain words, broad, plain, Uttered again and yet again, Hard to mistake or overgloss-- Announcing this world's gain for loss, And bidding us reject the same: The whole world lieth (they proclaim) In wickedness,--come out of it!
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Turn a deaf ear, if you think fit, But I who thrill through every nerve At thought of what deaf ears deserve-- How do you counsel in the case?
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading IX "I 'd take, by all means, in your place, The safe side, since it so appears: Deny myself, a few brief years, The natural pleasure, leave the fruit Or cut the plant up by the root.
