The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery- page 16

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"Ah!

• Ah: an exclamation of surprise, recognition, or understanding [ɑ]

Here is a subject," exclaimed the king, when he saw the little prince coming.

• Here is: This is [hir ɪz]
• a subject: someone or something under the rule of a monarch; also, a topic of discussion or study [ə ˈsəbʤɪkt]
• exclaimed: said suddenly and loudly [ɪkˈskleɪmd]
• the king: the male ruler of a kingdom [ðə kɪŋ]
• when he saw: at the moment he observed [wɪn hi sɔ]
• the little prince: the young male member of a royal family [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• coming: approaching; arriving [ˈkəmɪŋ]

And the little prince asked himself:

• And: conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific little prince [ðə]
• little prince: a young, small prince, often used in fairy tales [ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• asked: to put a question to someone [æst]
• himself: referring back to the little prince; he asked the question to himself [hɪmˈsɛlf]

"How could he recognize me when he had never seen me before?"

• How: used to ask about the way in which something happens or is done [haʊ]
• could: auxiliary verb expressing possibility or ability [kʊd]
• he: referring to someone else [hi]
• recognize: to identify someone or something known from previous encounters [ˈrɛkəgˌnaɪz]
• me: referring to the little prince [mi]
• when: at what time; during the time that [wɪn]
• he: referring to someone else [hi]
• had: auxiliary verb used to form the past perfect tense [hæd]
• never: at no time in the past [ˈnɛvər]
• seen: past participle of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sin]
• me: referring to the little prince [mi]
• before: previously; in the past [ˌbiˈfɔr]

He did not know how the world is simplified for kings.

• He: referring to the little prince [hi]
• did: auxiliary verb used for emphasis or to form questions/negations [dɪd]
• not: used to negate a statement [nɑt]
• know: to be aware of something through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]
• how: in what way or manner [haʊ]
• the world: the earth, together with all of its countries, peoples, and natural features [ðə wərld]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
• simplified: made easier or less complex [ˈsɪmpləˌfaɪd]
• for: intended to be used by (someone [fər]
• kings: male rulers of a country [kɪŋz]

To them, all men are subjects.

• To: expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• them: referring to the kings [ðɛm]
• all: the whole quantity or extent of [ɔl]
• men: plural of man, referring to adult males [mɛn]
• are: plural present of 'be' [ər]
• subjects: people who are under the rule of a king or queen [ˈsəbʤɪkts]

"Approach, so that I may see you better," said the king, who felt consumingly proud of being at last a king over somebody.

• Approach: to come near or nearer to someone or something in distance or time [əˈproʊʧ]
• so that: with the aim that; in order that [soʊ ðət]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• may: auxiliary verb expressing possibility or permission [meɪ]
• see: to perceive with the eyes [si]
• you: second-person singular pronoun [ju]
• better: in a more excellent or effective way [ˈbɛtər]
• said: past tense of 'say', to utter words [sɛd]
• the king: the male ruler of a country [ðə kɪŋ]
• who: relative pronoun referring to the king [hu]
• felt: past tense of 'feel', to experience an emotion or sensation [fɛlt]
• consumingly: to a consuming degree; overwhelmingly [consumingly]
• proud: feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated [praʊd]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• being: present participle of 'be' [biɪŋ]
• at last: finally; after a long delay [æt læst]
• a king: a male ruler of a country [ə kɪŋ]
• over: in a position above and touching something [ˈoʊvər]
• somebody: some person; someone [ˈsəmˌbɑdi]

The little prince looked everywhere to find a place to sit down; but the entire planet was crammed and obstructed by the king's magnificent ermine robe.

• The little prince: a young, small prince, often used in fairy tales [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• looked: past tense of 'look', to turn one's eyes in a specified direction [lʊkt]
• everywhere: in or to all places [ˈɛvriˌwɛr]
• to find: to discover or locate something [tɪ faɪnd]
• a place: a particular position or area [ə pleɪs]
• to sit down: to lower oneself into a sitting position [tɪ sɪt daʊn]
• but: conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• the entire planet: the whole of the earth [ðə ɪnˈtaɪər ˈplænət]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• crammed: completely filled to the point of overflowing [kræmd]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• obstructed: blocked or hindered [əbˈstrəktɪd]
• by: expressing the agent performing an action [baɪ]
• the king's: possessive form of 'king' [ðə kɪŋz]
• magnificent: extremely beautiful, elaborate, or impressive [mægˈnɪfɪsənt]
• ermine robe: a long, loose outer garment made of ermine fur, typically worn as a symbol of royalty or high status [ˈərmən roʊb]

So he remained standing upright, and, since he was tired, he yawned.

• So: therefore; for that reason [soʊ]
• he: referring to the little prince [hi]
• remained: stayed in a particular place or condition [rɪˈmeɪnd]
• standing upright: in a vertical position [ˈstændɪŋ ˈəˌpraɪt]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• since: because; as [sɪns]
• he: referring to the little prince [hi]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• tired: feeling in need of rest or sleep [taɪərd]
• he: referring to the little prince [hi]
• yawned: opened one's mouth wide and inhaled deeply due to tiredness or boredom [jɔnd]

"It is contrary to etiquette to yawn in the presence of a king," the monarch said to him. "I forbid you to do so."

• It is contrary to etiquette: This means it goes against the rules of polite behavior or good manners [ɪt ɪz ˈkɑntrɛri tɪ ˈɛtəkət]
• to yawn: to open the mouth wide and take a deep breath, usually involuntarily, due to tiredness or boredom [tɪ jɔn]
• in the presence of a king: while being near or in front of a king [ɪn ðə ˈprɛzəns əv ə kɪŋ]
• the monarch: a sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor [ðə ˈmɑˌnɑrk]
• said to him: spoke to the little prince [sɛd tɪ ɪm]
• I forbid you to do so: I prohibit you from yawning [aɪ fərˈbɪd ju tɪ du soʊ]

"I can't help it.

• I can't help it: I am unable to control it; I cannot prevent it from happening [aɪ kænt hɛlp ɪt]

"Ah, then," the king said. "I order you to yawn.

• Ah, then: An expression indicating understanding or a change in perspective [ɑ ðɛn]
• I order you to yawn: I command you to open your mouth wide and take a deep breath [aɪ ˈɔrdər ju tɪ jɔn]

It is years since I have seen anyone yawning.

• It is years since: It has been a long time since [ɪt ɪz jɪrz sɪns]
• I have seen anyone yawning: I have witnessed someone opening their mouth wide and taking a deep breath [aɪ hæv sin ˈɛniˌwən ˈjɔnɪŋ]

Yawns, to me, are objects of curiosity.

• Yawns, to me, are objects of curiosity: For me, yawns are interesting and unusual things [jɔnz tɪ mi ər ˈɑbʤɛkts əv ˌkjʊriˈɑsəti]

Come, now!

• Come, now: An expression used to encourage someone to do something [kəm naʊ]

Yawn again!

• Yawn again: Open your mouth wide and take a deep breath once more [jɔn əˈgɛn]

"That frightens me...

• That frightens me: That scares me [ðət ˈfraɪtənz mi]

I cannot, any more..." murmured the little prince, now completely abashed.

• I cannot, any more: I am no longer able to [aɪ ˈkænɑt ˈɛni mɔr]
• murmured the little prince: the little prince said in a low, quiet voice [ˈmərmərd ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• now completely abashed: feeling utterly ashamed, embarrassed, or disconcerted [naʊ kəmˈplitli əˈbæʃt]

"Hum! Hum!" replied the king. "Then I — I order you sometimes to yawn and sometimes to — "

• Hum! Hum: Expresses a thoughtful or hesitant sound [həm həm]
• king: The male ruler of a country [kɪŋ]
• Then: Indicates a sequence or consequence [ðɛn]
• I: The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]
• I: The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]
• you: The person being addressed [ju]
• sometimes: Occurring occasionally or at intervals [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]
• yawn: To open the mouth wide and take a deep breath, usually due to tiredness or boredom [jɔn]
• sometimes: Occurring occasionally or at intervals [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]

He sputtered a little, and seemed vexed.

• sputtered: Spoke rapidly and incoherently, often with excitement or anger [ˈspətərd]
• a little: To a small extent; slightly [ə ˈlɪtəl]
• seemed: Appeared to be [simd]
• vexed: Annoyed, frustrated, or worried [vɛkst]

For what the king fundamentally insisted upon was that his authority should be respected. He tolerated no disobedience. He was an absolute monarch. But, because he was a very good man, he made his orders reasonable.

• what: Referring to the thing that [wət]
• king: The male ruler of a country [kɪŋ]
• fundamentally: In a basic and essential way [ˌfəndəˈmɛnəli]
• insisted upon: Demanded or asserted forcefully [ˌɪnˈsɪstɪd əˈpɑn]
• was: Past tense of 'is', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]
• his: Belonging to him [hɪz]
• authority: The power or right to give orders and enforce obedience [əˈθɔrəti]
• respected: Admired and valued [rɪˈspɛktɪd]
• tolerated: Allowed or permitted without opposition [ˈtɑlərˌeɪtəd]
• no: Not any [noʊ]
• disobedience: Failure or refusal to obey rules or someone in authority [ˌdɪsəˈbidiəns]
• was: Past tense of 'is', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]
• absolute monarch: A ruler who has unlimited power and authority [ˈæbsəˌlut ˈmɑˌnɑrk]
• because: For the reason that [bɪˈkəz]
• was: Past tense of 'is', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]
• a very good man: A person with high moral character and kindness [ə ˈvɛri gʊd mæn]
• made: Past tense of 'make', meaning to create or cause [meɪd]
• his: Belonging to him [hɪz]
• orders: Instructions or commands [ˈɔrdərz]
• reasonable: Fair, sensible, and logical [ˈrizənəbəl]

"If I ordered a general," he would say, by way of example, "if I ordered a general to change himself into a sea bird, and if the general did not obey me, that would not be the fault of the general. It would be my fault."

• I: The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]
• ordered: Past tense of 'order', meaning to give an instruction [ˈɔrdərd]
• a general: A high-ranking officer in the army [ə ˈʤɛnərəl]
• would: Used to express a conditional or habitual action [wʊd]
• say: To utter words [seɪ]
• way of: As a form of [weɪ əv]
• example: A thing that is characteristic of its kind or illustrates a general rule [ɪgˈzæmpəl]
• I: The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]
• ordered: Past tense of 'order', meaning to give an instruction [ˈɔrdərd]
• a general: A high-ranking officer in the army [ə ˈʤɛnərəl]
• change: To make or become different [ʧeɪnʤ]
• himself: Referring to the general [hɪmˈsɛlf]
• a sea bird: A bird that lives near the sea [ə si bərd]
• if: Expressing a condition [ɪf]
• general: A high-ranking officer in the army [ˈʤɛnərəl]
• not: Expressing negation [nɑt]
• obey: To comply with or follow instructions [oʊˈbeɪ]
• me: Referring to the speaker [mi]
• would: Used to express a conditional or habitual action [wʊd]
• not: Expressing negation [nɑt]
• the fault: Responsibility for something wrong or undesirable [ðə fɔlt]
• the general: A high-ranking officer in the army [ðə ˈʤɛnərəl]
• would: Used to express a conditional or habitual action [wʊd]
• my fault: Responsibility of the speaker [maɪ fɔlt]

"May I sit down?" came now a timid inquiry from the little prince.

• May I sit down: A polite question asking for permission to sit. 'May' indicates a request for permission, 'I' refers to the speaker, and 'sit down' means to take a seat. [meɪ aɪ sɪt daʊn]
• came: Indicates the origin or source of the sound or action. [keɪm]
• now: Indicates that the action or event is happening at the present time or moment. [naʊ]
• a timid inquiry: A shy or hesitant question. 'Timid' suggests a lack of confidence or boldness, and 'inquiry' means a question or request for information. [ə ˈtɪmɪd ˌɪnkˈwaɪˌri]
• from: Indicates the source or origin of something. [frəm]
• the little prince: Refers to a young member of a royal family, often used as a character in stories. [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]

"I order you to do so," the king answered him, and majestically gathered in a fold of his ermine mantle.

• I order you to do so: A command or instruction to perform an action. 'I' refers to the speaker, 'order' means to give a command, 'you' refers to the person being addressed, 'to do so' refers to the action previously mentioned. [aɪ ˈɔrdər ju tɪ du soʊ]
• the king answered him: Indicates that the king is responding to someone. 'Answered' means to reply or respond, and 'him' refers to the person the king is speaking to. [ðə kɪŋ ˈænsərd ɪm]
• and: Connects two related clauses or phrases. [ənd]
• majestically: In a grand or dignified manner. [məˈʤɛstɪkəli]
• gathered in: Collected or brought together. [ˈgæðərd ɪn]
• a fold: A part of something that is folded or doubled over. [ə foʊld]
• of his ermine mantle: Refers to a cloak or robe made of ermine fur, a symbol of royalty. 'Ermine' is a type of white fur, and 'mantle' is a cloak or robe. [əv hɪz ˈərmən ˈmæntəl]

But the little prince was wondering...

• But: A conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said. [bət]
• the little prince: Refers to a young member of a royal family, often used as a character in stories. [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• was wondering: To feel curiosity or doubt about something. [wɑz ˈwəndərɪŋ]

The planet was tiny.

• The planet: A celestial body orbiting a star. [ðə ˈplænət]
• was tiny: Very small. [wɑz ˈtaɪni]

Over what could this king really rule?

• Over what: About what. [ˈoʊvər wət]
• could: Expressing possibility or ability. [kʊd]
• this king: Refers to the king being discussed. [ðɪs kɪŋ]
• really: In fact; actually. [ˈrɪli]
• rule: Exercise dominion or power over. [rul]