“Preserve him, Mr. Nicholas, as thou wouldst a diamond. He is not a shepherd, but an elegant courtier,” said the curé.—Cervantes,Don Quixote, I. i. 6 (1605).
“Preserve him, Mr. Nicholas, as thou wouldst a diamond. He is not a shepherd, but an elegant courtier,” said the curé.—Cervantes,Don Quixote, I. i. 6 (1605).
Shepherd of Salisbury Plain(The), the hero and title of a religious tract by Hannah More. The shepherd is noted for his homely wisdom and simple piety. The academy figure of this shepherd was David Saunders, who, with his father, had kept sheep on the plain for a century.
Shepherd of the Ocean.So Colin Clout (Spenser) calls Sir Walter Raleigh in hisColin Clout’s Come Home Again(1591).
Shepherdess(The Faithful), a pastoral drama by John Fletcher (1610). The “faithful shepherdess” is Corin, who remains faithful to her lover although dead. Milton has borrowed rather largely from this pastoral in hisComus.
Sheppard(Jack), immortalized for his burglaries and escapes from Newgate. He was the son of a carpenter in Spitalfields, and was an ardent, reckless and generous youth. Certainly the most popular criminal ever led to Tyburn for execution (1701-1724).
***Daniel Defoe madeJack Sheppardthe hero of a romance in 1724, and W. H. Ainsworth, in 1839.
Sherborne, in Dorsetshire, always brings ill luck to the possessor. It belonged at one time to the see of Canterbury, and Osmond pronounced a curse on any laymen who wrested it from the Church.
The first laymen who held these lands was the Protector Somerset, who was beheaded by Edward VI.
The next laymen was Sir Walter Raleigh, who was also beheaded.
At the death of Raleigh, James I. seized on the lands, and conferred them on Car, earl of Somerset, who died prematurely. His younger son, Carew, was attainted, committed to the Tower, and lost his estates by forfeiture.
***James I. was no exception. He lost his eldest son, the prince of Wales, Charles I. was beheaded, James II. was forced to abdicate, and the two Pretenders consummated the ill luck of the family.
Sherborne is now in the possession of Digby, earl of Bristol.
(For other possessions which carry with them ill luck, seeGold of Tolosa,Gold of Nibelungen,Graysteel,Harmonia’s Necklace, etc.)
Sheridan’s Ride, the story of the brilliant dash of Sheridan upon Winchester, that turned the fortunes of the day in favor of the Federal forces. Early, in command of the Confederates, had driven the United States troops out of the town. When Sheridan met them, they were in full retreat.
“Hurrah! hurrah for horse and man,And when their statues are placed on high,Under the dome of the Union sky,The American soldier’s Temple of Fame,There, with the glorious General’s nameBe it said, in letters both bold and bright:—Here is the steed that saved the dayBy carrying Sheridan into the fight,From Winchester—twenty miles away!’”Thomas Buchanan Read,Sheridan’s Ride.
Sheva, the philanthropic Jew, most modest, but most benevolent. He “stints his appetite to pamper his affections, and lives in poverty that the poor may live in plenty.” Sheva is “the widows’ friend, the orphans’ father, the poor man’s protector, and the universal dispenser of charity, but he ever shrank to let his left hand know what his right hand did.” Ratcliffe’s father rescued him at Cadiz, from anauto da fe, and Ratcliffe himself rescued him from a howling London mob. This noble heart settled £10,000 on Miss Ratcliffe at her marriage, and left Charles the heir of all his property.—Cumberland,The Jew(1776).
***The Jews of England made up a very handsome purse, which they presented to the dramatist for this championship of their race.
Sheva, in the satire ofAbsalom and Achitophel, by Dryden and Tate, is designed for Sir Roger Lestrange, censor of the press, in the reign of Charles II. Sheva was one of David’s scribes (2Sam.xx. 25), and Sir Roger was editor of theObservator, in which he vindicated the court measures, for which he was knighted.
Than Sheva, none more loyal zeal have shown,Wakeful as Judah’s lion for the crown.Tate,Absalom and Achitophel, ii. (1682).
Shib´boleth, the test pass-word of a secret society. When the Ephraimites tried to pass the Jordan, after their defeat by Jephthah, the guard tested whether they were Ephraimites or not, by asking them to say the word “Shibboleth,” which the Ephraimites pronounced “Sibboleth” (Judgesxii. 1-6).
In the Sicilian Vespers, a word was given as a test of nationality. Some dried peas (ciceri) were shown to a suspect: if he called themcheecharee, he was a Sicilian, and allowed to pass; but ifsiseri, he was a Frenchman, and was put to death.
In the great Danish slaughter on St. Bryce’s Day (November 13, 1002), according to tradition, a similar test was made with the words “Chichester Church,” which, being pronounced hard or soft, decided whether the speaker were Dane or Saxon.
Shield of Rome(The), Fabius “Cunctātor.” Marcellus was called “The Sword of Rome.” (SeeFabius.)
Shift(Samuel), a wonderful mimic, who, like Charles Mathews, the elder, could turn his face to anything. He is employed by Sir William Wealthy, to assist in saving his son, George, from ruin, and accordingly helps the young man in his money difficulties by becoming his agent. Ultimately, it is found that Sir George’s father is his creditor, the young man is saved from ruin, marries, and becomes a reformed and honorable member of society, who has “sown his wild oats.”—Foote,The Minor(1760).
Shilling(To cut one off with a). A tale is told of Charles and John Banister. John, having irritated his father, the old man said, “Jack, I’ll cut you off with a shilling.” To which the son replied, “I wish, dad, you would give it to me now.”
***The same identical anecdote is told of Sheridan and his son Tom.
Shingle(Solon), prominent personage in J. S. Jones’s farce,The People’s Lawyer.
Ship(The Intelligent).Ellīda(Frithjof’s ship) understood what was said to it; hence in theFrithjof Sagathe son of Thornsten constantly addresses it, and the ship always obeys what is said to it.—Tegner,Frithjof Saga, x. (1825).
Shipton(Mother), the heroine of an ancient tale entitledThe Strange and Wonderful History and Prophecies of Mother Shipton, etc.—T. Evan Preece.
Shipwreck(The), a poem in three cantos, by William Falconer (1762). Supposed to occupy six days. The ship was theBritannia, under the command of Albert, and bound for Venice. Being overtaken in a squall, she is driven out of her course from Candia, and four seamen are lost off the lee main-yardarm. A fearful storm greatly distresses the vessel and the captain gives command “to bear away.” As she passes the island of St. George, the helmsman is struck blind by lightning. Bowsprit, foremast, and main-topmast being carried away, the officers try to save themselves on the wreck of the foremast. The ship splits on the projecting verge of Cape Colonna. The captain and all his crew are lost except Arion (Falconer), who is washed ashore, and being befriended by the natives, returns to England to tell this mournful story.
Shirley.Bright, independent heiress of Yorkshire, beautiful and courted, who chooses her own way and her own husband.—Charlotte Brontè,Shirley.
Shoo-King(The), the history of the Chinese monarchs, by Confucius. It begins with Yoo,B.C.2205.
Shoolbred(Dame), the foster-mother of Henry Smith.—Sir W. Scott,Fair Maid of Perth(time, Henry IV.).
Shore(Jane), the heroine and title of a tragedy by N. Rowe (1312). Jane Shore was the wife of a London merchant, but left her husband to become the mistress of Edward IV. At the death of that monarch, Lord Hastings wished to obtain her, but she rejected his advances. This drew on her the jealous wrath of Alicia (Lord Hastings’s mistress), who induced her to accuse Lord Hastings of want of allegiance to the lord protector. The duke of Gloucester commanded the instant execution of Hastings; and, accusing Jane Shore of having bewitched him, condemned her to wander about in a sheet, holding a taper in her hand, and decreed that any one who offered her food or shelter should be put to death. Jane continued an outcast for three days, when her husband came to her succor, but he was seized by Gloucester’s myrmidons, and Jane Shore died.
Shoreditch(Duke of). Barlow, the favorite archer of Henry VIII., was so entitled by the Merry Monarch, in royal sport. Barlow’s two skillful companions were created at the same time, “marquis of Islington,” and “earl of Pancras.”
Good king, make not good lord of Lincoln “duke of Shoreditche.”—The Poore Man’s Petition to the Kinge(art. xvi. 1603).
Good king, make not good lord of Lincoln “duke of Shoreditche.”—The Poore Man’s Petition to the Kinge(art. xvi. 1603).
Shorne(Sir John) noted for his feat of conjuring the devil into a boot.
To Master John Shorne,That blessêd man borne,Which jugeleth with a bote;I beschrewe his herte roteThat will trust him, and it be I.Fantassie of Idolatrie.
Short-Lived Administration(The).theadministration formed February 12, 1746, by William Pulteney. It lasted only two days.
Shortcake(Mrs.), the baker’s wife, one of Mrs. Mailsetter’s friends.—Sir W. Scott,The Antiquary(time, George III.).
Shortell(Master), the mercer at Liverpool.—Sir W. Scott,Peveril of the Peak(time, Charles II.).
Short´hose(2syl.), a clown, servant to Lady Hartwell, the widow.—Beaumont and Fletcher,Wit Without Money(1539).
Shorthouse(Tom), epitaph of.
Hic JacetTom Shorthouse,sineTom,sineSheets,sineRiches;Qui Vixit sineGown,sineCloak,sineShirt,sineBreeches.Old London(taken from theMagna Britannia)
Shovel-BoardsorEdward Shovel-Boards, broad shillings of Edward III. Taylor, the water-poet, tells us “they were used for the most part at shoave-board.”
... the unthrift every day,With my face downwards do at shoave-board play.Taylor, the water-poet (1580-1754).
Shewsberry(Lord), the earl marshall in the court of Queen Elizabeth.—Sir W. Scott,Kenilworth(time, Elizabeth).
Shufflebottom(Abel), a name assumed by Robert Southey in some of his amatory productions (1774-1843).
Shuffles(Robert). One of the “bad boys,” whose misdemeanors and reformation are sketched inOutward Bound, by William T. Adams (Oliver Optic).
Shuffleton(The Hon. Tom), a man of very slender estate, who borrows of all who will lend, but always forgets to repay or return the loans. When spoken to about it, he interrupts the speaker before he comes to the point, and diverts the conversation to some other subject. He is one of the new school, always emotionless, looks on money as thesummum bonum, and all as fair that puts money in his purse. The Hon. Tom Shuffleton marries Lady Caroline Braymore, who has £4000 a year. (SeeDimanche.)—G. Colman, Jr.,John Bull.
Shylock, the Jew, who lends Antonio (a Venetian merchant) 3000 ducats for three months, on these conditions: If repaid within the time, only the principal would be required; if not, the Jew should be at liberty to cut from Antonio’s body a pound of flesh. The ships of Antonio being delayed by contrary winds, the merchant was unable to meet his bill, and the Jew claimed the forfeiture. Portia, in the dress of a law doctor, conducted the trial, and when the Jew was about to take his bond, reminded him that he must shed no drop of blood, nor must he cut either more or less than an exact pound. If these conditions were infringed his life would be forfeit. The Jew, feeling it to be impossible to exact the bond under such conditions, gave up the claim, but was heavily fined for seeking the life of a Venetian citizen.—Shakespeare,The Merchant of Venice(1598).
Among modern actors,Henry Irving, as Shylock, stands unsurpassed.
According to the kindred authority of Shylock, no man hates the thing he would not kill.—Sir W. Scott.
According to the kindred authority of Shylock, no man hates the thing he would not kill.—Sir W. Scott.
***Paul Secchi tells us a similar tale: A merchant of Venice, having been informed by private letter that Drake had taken and plundered St. Domingo, sent word to Sampson Ceneda, a Jewish usurer. Ceneda would not believe it, and bet a pound of flesh it was not true. When the report was confirmed the pope told Secchi he might lawfully claim his bet if he chose, only he must draw no blood, nor take either more or less than an exact pound, on the penalty of being hanged.—Gregorio Leti,Life of Sextus V.(1666).
Sibbald, an attendant on the earl of Menteith.—Sir W. Scott,Legend of Montrose(time, Charles I.).
Sibylla, the sibyl. (SeeSibyls.)
And thou, Alecto, feede me wyth thy foode ...And thou, Sibilla, when thou seest me faynte,Addres thyselfe the gyde of my complaynte.Sackville,Mirrour for Magistraytes(“Complaynte,” etc.,(1557).
Sibyls.Plato speaks of onlyonesibyl; Martian Capella says there weretwo(theErythræanorCumæansibyl, and thePhrygian); Pliny speaks of thethreesibyls; Jackson maintains, on the authority ofÆlian, that there werefour; Shakespeare speaks of theninesibyls of old Rome (1Henry VI.act i. sc. 2); Varro says they wereten(the sibyls of Libya, Samos, Cumæ (in Italy), Cumæ (in Asia Minor), Erythræ, Persia, Tiburtis, Delphi, Ancy´ra (in Phrygia), and Marpessa), in reference to which Rabelais says, “she may be theeleventhsibyl” (Pantagruel, iii. 16); the mediæval monks made the number to betwelve, and gave to each a distinct prophecy respecting Christ. But whatever the number, there was butone“sibyl of old Rome” (the Cumæan), who offered to Tarquin the nine Sibylline books.
Sibyl’s Books(The). We are told that the sibyl of Cumæ (in Æŏlis) offered Tarquin nine volumes of predictions for a certain sum of money, but the king, deeming the price exorbitant, refused to purchase them; whereupon she burnt three of the volumes, and next year offered Tarquin the remaining six at the same price. Again he refused, and the sibyl burnt three more. The following year she again returned, and asked the original price for the three which remained. At the advice of the augurs the king purchased the books, and they were preserved with great care under guardians specially appointed for the purpose.
Sicilian Bull(The), the brazen bull invented by Perillos for the tyrant Phalăris, as an engine of torture. Perillos himself was the first victim enclosed in the bull.
As the Sicilian bull that rightfullyHis cries echoed who had shaped the mould,Did so rebellow with the voice of himTormented, that the brazen monster seemedPierced through with pain.Dantê,Hell, xxvii. (1300).
Sicilian Vespers(The), the massacre of the French in Sicily, which began at Palermo, March 30, 1282, at the hour of vespers, on Easter Monday. This wholesale slaughter was provoked by the brutal conduct of Charles d’Anjou (the governor) and his soldiers towards the islanders.
A similar massacre of the Danes was made in England, on St. Bryce’s Day (November 13), 1002.
Another similar slaughter took place at Bruges, March 24, 1302.
***The Bartholomew Massacre (Aug. 24, 1572) was a religious not a political movement.
Sicilien(Le) orL’Amour Peintre, a comedy by Molière (1667). The Sicilian is Don Pèdre, who has a Greek slave named Is´idore. This slave is loved by Adraste (2syl.), a French gentleman, and the plot of the comedy, turns on the way that the Frenchman allures the Greek slave away from her master. Hearing that his friend Damon is going to make a portrait of Isidore, he gets him to write to Don Pèdre a letter of introduction, requesting that the bearer may be allowed to take the likeness. By this ruse, Adraste reveals his love to Isidore, and persuades her to elope. The next step is this: Zaïde (2syl.), a young slave, pretends to have been ill-treated by Adraste, and runs to Don Pèdre to crave protection. The don bids her go in, while he intercedes with Adraste on her behalf. The Frenchman seems to relent, and Pèdre calls for Zaïde to come forth, but Isidore comes instead, wearing Zaïde’s veil. Don Pèdre says to Adraste, “There, take her home, and use her well!” “I will,” says Adraste, and leads off the Greek slave.
Siddartha, born at Gaya, in India, and known in Indian history as Buddha (i.e.“The Wise”).
Sidney, the tutor and friend of Charles Egerton McSycophant. He loves Constantia, but conceals his passion for fear of paining Egerton, her accepted lover.—C. Macklin,The Man of the World(1764).
Sidney(Sir Philip). Sir Philip Sidney, though suffering extreme thirst from the agony of wounds, received in the battle of Zutphen, gave his own draught of water to a wounded private, lying at his side, saying, “Poor fellow, thy necessity is greater than mine.”
A similar instance is recorded of Alexander “the Great,” in the desert of Gedrosia.
David, fighting against the Philistines, became so parched with thirst, that he cried out, “Oh, that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” And the three mighty men broke through the host of the Philistines, and brought him water; nevertheless, he would not drink it, but poured it out unto the Lord.—2Sam.xxiii. 15-17.
Sidney’s Sister, Pembroke’s Mother.Mary Herbert (born Sidney), countess of Pembroke, who died 1621.
Underneath this sable hearseLies the subject of all verse—Sidney’s sister, Pembroke’s mother.Death, ere thou hast slain anotherFair, and good, and learned as she,Time shall throw his dart at thee.Ben Jonson (1574-1637).
Sid´rophel, William Lily, the astrologer.
Quoth Ralph, “Not far from hence doth dwellA cunning man, hight Sidrophel,That deals in destiny’s dark counsels,And sage opinions of the moon sells;To whom all people, far and near,On deep importances repair.”S. Butler,Hudibras, ii. 3 (1664).
Siebel, Margheri´ta’s rejected lover, in the opera ofFaust e Margherita, by Gounod (1859).
Siége.Mon siége est fait, my opinion is fixed, and I cannot change it. This proverb rose thus: The abbé de Vertot wrote the history of a certain siege, and applied to a friend for some geographical particulars. These particulars did not arrive till the matter had passed the press; so the abbé remarked with a shrug, “Bah! mon siége est fait.”
Siege Perilous(The). The Round Table contained sieges for 150 knights, but three of them were “reserved.” Of these, two were posts of honor, but the third was reserved for him who was destined to achieve the quest of the Holy Graal. This seat was called “perilous,” because if any one sat therein, except he for whom it was reserved, it would be his death. Every seat of the table bore the name of its rightful occupant, in letters of gold, and the name on the “Siege Perilous” was Sir Galahad (son of Sir Launcelot and Elaine).
Said Merlin, “There shall no man sit in the two void places but they that shall be of most worship. But in theSiege Perilousthere shall no man sit but one, and if any other be so hardy as to do it, he shall be destroyed.”—Pt. i. 48.Then the old man made Sir Galahad unarm; and he put on him a coat of red sandel, with a mantel upon his shoulder furred with fine ermines ... and he brought him unto the Siege Perilous, when he sat beside Sir Launcelot. And the good old man lifted up the cloth, and found there these words written:The Siege Of Sir Galahad.—Sir T. Malory,History of Prince Arthur, iii. 32 (1470).
Said Merlin, “There shall no man sit in the two void places but they that shall be of most worship. But in theSiege Perilousthere shall no man sit but one, and if any other be so hardy as to do it, he shall be destroyed.”—Pt. i. 48.
Then the old man made Sir Galahad unarm; and he put on him a coat of red sandel, with a mantel upon his shoulder furred with fine ermines ... and he brought him unto the Siege Perilous, when he sat beside Sir Launcelot. And the good old man lifted up the cloth, and found there these words written:The Siege Of Sir Galahad.—Sir T. Malory,History of Prince Arthur, iii. 32 (1470).
Siege of Calais, a novel by Mde. de Tencin (1681-1749). George Colman has a drama with the same title.
Siege of Damascus.Damascus was besieged by the Arabs while Eu´menês was governor. The general of the Syrians was Pho´cyas, and of the Arabs, Caled. Phocyas asked Eumenês’s permission to marry his daughter, Eudo´cia, but was sternly refused. After gaining several victories he fell into the hands of the Arabs, and then joined them in their siege in order to revenge himself on Eumenês. Eudocia fell into his power, but she refused to marry a traitor. Caled requested Phocyas to point out to him the governor’s tent; on being refused, they fought, and Caled fell. Abudah, being now in chief command, made an honorable peace with the Syrians, Phocyas died, and Eudocia retired to a convent.—J. Hughes,Siege of Damascus(1720).
Siege of Rhodes, by Sir W. Davenant (1656).
Sieg´fried[Seeg.freed], hero of pt. i. of theNibelungen Lied, the old German epic. Siegfried was a young warrior of peerless strength and beauty, invulnerable except in one spot between his shoulders. He vanquished the Nibelungs, and carried away their immense hoards of gold and precious stones. He wooed and won Kriemhild, the sister of Günther, king of Burgundy, but was treacherously killed by Hagan while stooping for a draught of water after a hunting expedition.
Siegfried had a cape, or cloak, which rendered him invisible, the gift of the dwarf, Alberich; and his sword, called Balmung, was forged by Wieland, blacksmith of the Teutonic gods.
This epic consists of a number of different lays by the old minnesingers, pieced together into a connected story as early as 1210. It is of Scandinavian origin, and is in theYounger Edda, amongst the “Völsunga Sagas” (compiled by Snorro, in the thirteenth century).
Siegfried’s Birthplace.He was born in Phinecastle, then called Xanton.
Siegfried’s Father and Mother.Siegfried was the youngest son of Siegmund and Sieglind, king and queen of the Netherlands.
Siegfried called Horny.He was called horny because, when he slew the dragon, he bathed in its blood, and became covered with a horny hide which was invulnerable. A linden leaf happened to fall on his back between his shoulder-blades, and, as the blood did not touch this spot, it remained vulnerable.—The minnesingers,The Nibelungen Lied(1210).
Sieg´fried von Lindenberg, the hero of a comic German romance by Müller (1779). Still popular and very amusing.
Sieglind[Seeg.lind], the mother of Siegfried, and wife of Siegmund, king of the Netherlands.—The minnesingers,The Nibelungen Lied(1210).
Siegmund[Seeg.mund], king of the Netherlands. His wife was Sieglind, and his son, Siegfried [Seeg.freed].—The minnesingers,The Nibelungen Lied(1210).
Sige´ro, “the Good,” slain by Argantês. Argantês hurled his spear at Godfrey, but it struck Sigēro, who “rejoiced to suffer in his sovereign’s place.”—Tasso,Jerusalem Delivered, xi. (1575).
Sightly(Captain), a dashing young officer, who runs away with Priscilla Tomboy, but subsequently obtains her guardian’s consent to marry her.—The Romp(altered from Bickerstaff’sLove in the City).
Sigismonda, daughter of Tancred, king of Salerno. She fell in love with Guiscardo, her father’s squire, revealed to him her love, and married him in a cavern attached to the palace. Tancred discovered them in each other’s embrace, and gave secret orders to waylay the bridegroom and strangle him. He then went to Sigismonda, and reproved her for her degrading choice, which she boldly justified. Next day, she received a human heart in a gold casket, knew instinctively that it was Guiscardo’s, and poisoned herself. Her father being sent for, she survived just long enough to request that she might be buried in the same grave as her young husband, and Tancred:
Too late repenting of his cruel deed,One common sepulchre for both decreed;Intombed the wretched pair in royal state,And on their monument inscribed their fate.Dryden,Sigismonda and Guiscardo(from Boccaccio).
Sigismund, emperor of Austria.—Sir W. Scott,Anne of Geierstein(time, Edward IV.).
Sigismunda, daughter of Siffrēdi, lord high chancellor of Sicily, and betrothed to Count Tancred. When King Roger died, he left the crown of Sicily to Tancred, on condition that he married Constantia, by which means the rival lines would be united, and the country saved from civil war. Tancred gave a tacit consent, intending to obtain a dispensation; but Sigismunda, in a moment of wounded pride, consented to marry Earl Osmond. When King Tancred obtained an interview with Sigismunda, to explain his conduct, Osmond challenged him, and they fought. Osmond fell, and when his wife ran to him, he thrust his sword into her and killed her.—J. Thomson,Tancred and Sigismunda(1745).
***This tragedy is based on “The Baneful Marriage,” an episode inGil Blas, founded on fact.
Sigismunda, the heroine of Cervantes’s last work of fiction. This tale is a tissue of episodes, full of most incredible adventures, astounding prodigies, impossible characters, and extravagant sentiments. It is said that Cervantes himself preferred it to hisDon Quixote, just as Corneille preferredNicomedeto hisCid, and MiltonParadise Regainedto hisParadise Lost.—Encyc. Brit., Art. “Romance.”
Sigurd, the hero of an old Scandinavian legend. Sigurd discovered Brynhild, encased in a complete armor, lying in a death-like sleep, to which she had been condemned by Odin. Sigurd woke her by opening her corselet, fell in love with her, promised to marry her, but deserted her for Gudrun. This ill-starred union was the cause of anIliadof woes.
An analysis of this romance was published by Weber in hisIllustrations of Northern Antiquities(1810).
Sijil(Al), the recording angel.
On that day we will roll up the heavens as the angel Al Sijil rolleth up the scroll wherein every man’s actions are recorded.—Al Korân, xxi.
On that day we will roll up the heavens as the angel Al Sijil rolleth up the scroll wherein every man’s actions are recorded.—Al Korân, xxi.
Sikes(Bill), a burglar, and one of Fagin’s associates. Bill Sikes was a hardened, irreclaimablevillian,but had a conscience which almost drove him mad after the murder of Nancy, who really loved him (ch. xlviii.) Bill Sikes (1syl.) had an ill-conditioned savage dog, the beast-image of his master, which he kicked and loved, ill-treated and fondled.—C. Dickens,Oliver Twist(1837).
The French “Bill Sikes” is “Jean Hiroux,” a creation of Henry Monnier.
Sikundra(The), a mausoleum about six miles from Agra, raised by Akhbah “the Great.”
Silence, a country justice of asinine dullness when sober, but when in his cups of most uproarious mirth. He was in the commission of the peace with his cousin Robert Shallow.
Falstaff.I did not think Master Silence had been a man of this mettle.Silence.Who, I? I have been merry twice and once, ere now.—Shakespeare, 2Henry IV., act vi. sc. 3 (1598).
Falstaff.I did not think Master Silence had been a man of this mettle.
Silence.Who, I? I have been merry twice and once, ere now.—Shakespeare, 2Henry IV., act vi. sc. 3 (1598).
Sile´no, husband of Mysis; a kind-hearted man, who takes pity on Apollo when cast to earth by Jupiter, and gives him a home.—Kane O’Hara,Midas(1764).
Silent(The), William I., prince of Orange (1533-1584). It was the principle of Napoleon III., emperor of the French, to “hear, see, and say nothing.”
Silent Man(The), the barber of Bagdad, the greatest chatterbox that ever lived. Being sent for to shave the head and beard of a young man who was to visit the cadi’s daughter at noon, he kept him from daybreak to midday, prating, to the unspeakable annoyance of the customer. Being subsequently taken before the caliph, he ran on telling story after story about his six brothers. He was called the “Silent Man,” because on one occasion, being accidentally taken up with ten robbers, he never said he was not one of the gang. His six brothers were Bacbouc, the hunchback, Bakbarah, the toothless, Bakac, the one-eyed, Alcouz, the blind, Alnaschar, the earless, and Schacabac, the hare-lipped.—Arabian Nights(“The Barber,” and “The Barber’s Six Brothers”).
Silent Woman(The), a comedy by Ben Jonson (1609). Morose, a miserly old fellow, who hates to hear any voice but his own, has a young nephew, Sir Dauphine, who wants to wring from him a third of his property; and the way he gains his point is this: He induces a lad to pretend to be a “silent woman.” Morose is so delighted with the phenomenon that he consents to marry the prodigy; but the moment the ceremony is over, the boy-wife assumes the character of a virago, whose tongue is a ceaseless clack. Morose is in despair, and signs away a third of his property to his nephew, on condition of being rid of this intolerable pest. The trick is now revealed, Morose retires into private life, and Sir Dauphine remains master of the situation.
Sile´nus, son of Pan, chief of the sile´ni or older satyrs. Silēnus was the foster-father of Bacchus, the wine-god, and is described as a jovial old toper, with bald head, pug nose, and pimply face.
Old Silenus, bloated, drunken,Led by his inebriate satyrs.Longfellow,Drinking Song.
Silky, a Jew money-lender, swindler, and miser. (SeeSulky.)
Yon cheat all day, tremble at night, and act the hypocrite the first thing in the morning.—T. Holcroft,The Road to Ruin, ii. 3 (1792).
Yon cheat all day, tremble at night, and act the hypocrite the first thing in the morning.—T. Holcroft,The Road to Ruin, ii. 3 (1792).
Silly Billy, William IV. (1765, 1830-1837).
Silva(Don Ruy Gomez de), an old Spanish grandee, to whom Elvīra was betrothed; but she detested him, and loved Ernani, a bandit-captain. Charles V. tried to seduce her, and Silva, in his wrath, joined Ernani to depose the king. The plot being discovered, the conspirators were arrested, but, at the intercession of Elvira, were pardoned. The marriage of Ernani and Elvira was just about to be consummated, when a horn sounded. Ernani had bound himself, when Silva joined the bandit, to put an end to his life whenever summoned so to do by Silva; and the summons was to be given by the blast of a horn. Silva being relentless, Ernani kept his vow, and stabbed himself.—Verdi,Ernani(1841).
Silver-Fork School(The), a name given to a class of English novelists who gave undue importance to etiquette and the externals of social intercourse. The most distinguished are: Lady Blessington (1789-1849), Theodore Hook (1716-1796), Lord Lytton (1804-1873), and Mrs. Trollope (1790-1863).
Silver Pen.Eliza Meteyard was so called by Douglas Jerold, and she adopted the pseudonym (1816-1879).
Silver Star of Love(The), the star which appeared to Vasco da Gama, when his ships were tempest-tossed, through the malice of Bacchus. Immediately the star appeared, the tempest ceased, and there was a great calm.
The sky and ocean blending, each on fire,Seemed as all Nature struggled to expire;When now the Silver Star of Love appeared,Bright in the east her radiant front she reared.Camoens,Lusiad, vi. (1572).
Silver Tongued(The), Joshua Sylvester, translator of Du Bartas’sDivine Weeks and Works(1563-1618).
William Bates, a puritan divine (1625-1699).
Henry Smith, preacher (1550-1600).
Anthony Hammond, the poet, called “Silver Tongue” (1668-1738).
Spranger Barry, the “Irish Roscius” (1719-1777).
Silverquill(Sam), one of the prisoners at Portanferry.—Sir W. Scott,Guy Mannering(time, George II.).
Silves de la Selva(The Exploits and Adventures of), part of the series calledLe Roman des Romans, pertaining to “Am´adis of Gaul.” This part was added by Feliciano de Silva.
Silvester(Anne), woman betrayed under promise of marriage, byGeoffrey Delamayne, a famous athlete. By a series ofcontretemps, Anne is made out to be the wife (according to Scotch law) of her dearest friend’s betrothed, who visits her as Delamayne’s emissary. She is released from the embarrassing position, by the exhibition of a letter from Delamayne, promising to marry her, written beforeArnold’svisit. Infuriated by theexposé, Delamayne tries to murder his wife, and is prevented by a crazy woman. Her sudden attack brings on apoplexy. Anne, as his widow, marries her old friend and defender, Sir Patrick Lundie.—Wilkie Collins,Man and Wife(1874).
Silvestre(2syl.), valet of Octave (son of Argante, and brother of Zerbinette).—Molière,Les Fourberies de Scapin(1671).
Sil´via, daughter of the duke of Milan, and the lady-love of Valentine, one of the heroes of the play.—Shakespeare,The Two Gentlemen of Verona(1594).
Simmons(Widow), the seamstress; a neighbor of the Ramsays.—Sir W. Scott,Fortunes of Nigel(time, James I.).
Simon(Martin), proprietor of the village Bout du Monde, and miller of Grenoble. He is called “The king of Pelvoux,” and in reality is the Baron de Peyras, who has given up all his estates to his nephew, the young chevalier, Marcellin de Peyras, and retired to Grenoble, where he lived as a villager. Martin Simon is in secret possession of a gold-mine, left him by his father, with the stipulation that he should place it beyond the reach of any private man, on the day it becomes a “source of woe and crime.” Rabisson, a travelling tinker, the only person who knows about it, being murdered, Simon is suspected; but Eusebe Noel confesses the crime. Simon then makes the mine over to the king of France, as it had proved the source both “of woe and crime.”—E. Stirling,The Gold Mine, orMiller of Grenoble(1854).
Simonides, benevolent Jew, father of Esther, and friend of Ben Hur.—Lew Wallace,Ben Hur: a Tale of the Christ(1880).
Simon Pure, a young quaker from Pennsylvania, on a visit to Obadiah Prim (a Bristol Quaker, and one of the guardians of Anne Lovely, the heiress). Colonel Feignwell personated Simon Pure, and obtained Obadiah’s consent to marry his ward. When the real Simon Pure presented himself, the colonel denounced him as an impostor; but after he had obtained the guardian’s signature, he confessed the trick, and showed how he had obtained the consent of the other three guardians.—Mrs. Centlivre,A Bold Stroke for a Wife(1717).
***This name has become a household word for “the real man,” theipsissimus ego.
Si´monieorSi´mony, the friar, in the beast-epic ofReynard the Fox(1498). So called from Simon Magus (Acts.viii. 9-24.)
Simony(Dr.), in Foote’s farce, calledThe Cozeners, was meant for Dr. Dodd.
Sim´org, a bird “which hath seen the world thrice destroyed.” It is found in Kâf, but as Hafiz says, “searching for the simorg is like searching for the philosopher’s stone.” This does not agree with Beckford’s account. (SeeSimurgh.)
In Kâf the simorg hath its dwelling-place,The all-knowing bird of ages, who hath seenThe world with all its children thrice destroyed.Southey,Thalaba, the Destroyer, viii. 19 (1797).
Simpcox(Saunder), a lame man, who asserted he was born blind, and to whom St. Alban said, “Come, offer at my shrine, and I will help thee.” Being brought before Humphrey, duke of Gloucester, the lord protector, he was asked how he became lame; and Simpcox replied he fell from a tree which he had climbed to gather plums for his wife. The duke then asked if his sight had been restored? “Yes,” said the man; and, being shown divers colors, could readily distinguish between red, blue, brown, and so on. The duke told the rascal that ablindman does not climb trees to gather their fruits; and one born blind might, if his sight were restored, know that one color differed from another, but could not possibly know which was which. He then placed a stool before him and ordered the constables to whip him till he jumped over it; whereupon the lame man jumped over it, and ran off as fast as his legs could carry him. Sir Thomas More tells this story, and Shakespeare introduces it in 2Henry VI. act ii. sc. 1 (1591).
Simple, the servant of Slender (cousinof Justice Shallow).—Shakespeare,The Merry Wives of Windsor(1596).
Simple(The), Charles III. of France (879, 893-929).
Simple(Peter), the hero and title of a novel by Captain Marryat (1833).
Simple Simon, a man more sinned against than sinning, whose misfortunes arose from his wife Margery’s cruelty, which began the very morning of their marriage.
We do not know whether it is necessary to seek for a Teutonic or Northern original for this once popular book.—Quarterly Review.
We do not know whether it is necessary to seek for a Teutonic or Northern original for this once popular book.—Quarterly Review.
Simpson(Tam), the drunken barber.—Sir W. Scott,St. Ronan’s Well(time, George III.).
Simson(Jean), an old woman at Middlemas village.—Sir W. Scott,The Surgeon’s Daughter(time, George II.).
Simurgh, a fabulous Eastern bird, endowed with reason and knowing all languages. It had seen the great cycle of 7000 years twelve times, and, during that period, it declared it had seen the earth wholly without inhabitant seven times.—W. Beckford,Vathek(notes, 1784). This does not agree with Southey’s account. (SeeSimorg.)
Sin, twin-keeper, with Death, of Hellgate. She sprang, full-grown, from the head of Satan.
Woman to the waist, and fair,But ending foul in many a scaly foldVoluminous and vast, a serpent armedWith mortal sting.Milton,Paradise Lost, ii. (1665).
Sin´adone(The lady of), metamorphosed by enchantment into a serpent. Sir Lybius (one of Arthur’s knights) slew the enchantress, and the serpent, coiling about his neck, kissed him; whereupon the spell was broken, the serpent became a lovely princess, and Sir Lybius made her his wife.—Libeaux(a romance).
Sindbad, a merchant of Bagdad, who acquired great wealth by merchandise. He went seven voyages, which he related to a poor, discontented porter named Hindbad, to show him that wealth must be obtained by enterprise and personal exertion.
First Voyage.Being becalmed in the Indian Ocean, he and some others of the crew visited what they supposed to be an island, but which was in reality a huge whale asleep. They lighted a fire on the whale, and the heat woke the creature, which instantly dived under water. Sindbad was picked up by some merchants, and in due time returned home.
Second Voyage.Sindbad was left, during sleep, on a desert island, and discovered a roc’s egg, “fifty paces in circumference.” He fastened himself to the claw of the bird, and was deposited in the valley of diamonds. Next day some merchants came to the top of the crags, and threw into the valley huge joints of raw meat, to which the diamonds stuck, and when the eagles picked up the meat, the merchants scared them from their nests, and carried off the diamonds. Sindbad fastened himself to a piece of meat, was carried by an eagle to its nest, and, being rescued by the merchants, returned home laden with diamonds.
Third Voyageis the encounter with the Cyclops. (SeeUlysses and Polyphemos, where the account is given in detail.)
Fourth Voyage.Sindbad married a lady of rank in a strange island on which hewas cast; and when his wife died he was buried alive with the dead body, according to the custom of the land. He made his way out of the catacomb, and returned to Bagdad greatly enriched by valuables rifled from the dead bodies.
Fifth Voyage.The ship in which he sailed was dashed to pieces by huge stones let down from the talons of two angry rocs. Sindbad swam to a desertinland,where he threw stones at the monkeys, and the monkeys threw back cocoa-nuts. On this island Sindbad encountered and killed the Old Man of the Sea.
Sixth Voyage.Sindbad visited the island of Serendib (or Ceylon), and climbed to the top of the mountain “where Adam was placed on his expulsion from paradise.”
Seventh Voyage.He was attacked by corsairs, sold to slavery, and employed in shooting elephants from a tree. He discovered a tract of hill country completely covered with elephants’ tusks, communicated his discovery to his master, obtained his liberty, and returned home.—Arabian Nights(“Sindbad the Sailor”).
Sindbad, Ulysses, and the Cyclops.(SeeUlysses and Polyphemos.)
Sin´el, thane of Glamis, and father of Macbeth. He married the younger daughter of Malcolm II. of Scotland.
Sinfire, brilliant, seductive, and wicked heroine of Julian Hawthorne’s novel of the same name.
Sing(Sadha), the mourner of the desert.—Sir W. Scott,The Surgeon’s Daughter(time, George II.).
Sing de Racine(Le), Campistron, the French dramatic poet (1656-1723).
Singing Apple(The), in the deserts of Libya. This apple resembled a ruby crowned with a huge diamond, and had the gift of imparting wit to those who only smelt of it. Prince Cherry obtained it for Fairstar. (SeeSinging Tree.)