Page 88 - The English Carnival 7

Word Meanings

occupations activities or tasks that one engages in as a part of their daily routine

patter a rapid, light, and somewhat indistinct sound, often referring to the
sound of small feet moving quickly

descending moving or going downwards

turret a small tower, typically located on a larger building, especially a
castle

mustache hair that grows on the upper lip of a person’s face

banditti a term for a group of outlaws or robbers

fortress a fortified building or a place with strong defenses, often used for
protection or as a military stronghold

dungeon an underground prison or a dark, confined space used for confinement

or punishment
crumbled to break or fall apart into small pieces

moulder to gradually decay or disintegrate, especially due to age or neglect

Assess Yourself

A. Tick () the correct answer.

1. What is “The Children’s Hour” referred to in the poem?

(a) A time of day when children play outside

(b) A cherished time spent with the speaker’s children
(c) A time when children take a break from their activities

2. Who are the children mentioned in the poem?

(a) Alice, Allegra, and Edith
(b) Alice, Allegra, and the Bishop of Bingen

(c) Alice, Allegra, and the speaker

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