This document provides a glossary of terms from the poem "The Solitary Reaper" by William Wordsworth. It defines 15 words or phrases from the poem, describing a solitary Highland lass reaping grain alone in a field and singing a melancholy song that fills the deep vale. It also provides the full text of the poem, about a traveler who happens upon the woman and listens intently to her beautiful yet sad singing.
2. 1. Solitary: existing alone. 2. Yon: young, person or thing. 3. Highland lass: A girl who lives in the highlands 4. Reaping: harvesting 5. Melancholy strain: A sad song 6. Vale profound: A deep valley. 7. Chant: Say or sing prayers 8. Weary bands: Tired people belonging to the bands. 9. Shady haunts: A place which is frequently visited. 10. Arabian sands: Deserts of Arabia 11. Hebrides: The group of Islands in the north-west of Scotland. 12. Plaintive numbers: Sad music. 13. Humble lay: Ordinary song 14. Maiden: A young woman usually a virgin 15. Sickle: A tool used to cut weeds 16. Theme: A subject which a person speaks, writes or thinks about. 17. Mounted: Climb up or onto 18. Binds: Tie firmly
4. Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland Lass! Reaping and singing by herself; Stop here, or gently pass! Alone she cuts and binds the grain, And sings a melancholy strain; O listen! for the Vale profound Is overflowing with the sound. No Nightingale did ever chaunt More welcome notes to weary bands Of travelers in some shady haunt, Among Arabian sands: A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird, Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides. The Poem:
5. Will no one tell me what she sings?-- Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago: Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, That has been, and may be again? Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang As if her song could have no ending; I saw her singing at her work, And o'er the sickle bending;-- I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more .
