Harpoc´rates (4 syl.), the god of silence. Cupid bribed him with a rose not to divulge the amours of Venus. Harpocratês is generally represented with his second finger on his mouth.
He also symbolized the sun at the end of winter, and is represented with a cornucopia in one hand and a lotus in the other. The lotus is dedicated to the sun, because it opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.
I assured my mistress she might make herself quite easy on that score [i.e. my making mention of what was told me], for I was the Harpocrates of trusty valets.—Lesage, Gil Blas, iv. 2 (1724).
Harriet, the elder daughter of Sir David and Lady Dunder, of Dunder Hall. She was in love with Scruple, whom she accidentally met at Calais; but her parents arranged that she should marry Lord Snolts, a stumpy, “gummy” old nobleman of five-and-forty. To prevent this hateful marriage, Harriet consented to elope with Scruple; but the flight was intercepted by Sir David, who, to prevent a scandal, consented to the marriage, and discovered that Scruple, both in family and fortune, was a suitable son-in-law.—G. Colman, Ways and Means (1788).
Harriet [Mowbray], the daughter of Colonel Mowbray, an orphan without fortune, without friends, without a protector. She marries clandestinely Charles Eustace.—J. Poole, The Scapegoat.
Harriot [Russet], the simple, unsophisticated daughter of Mr. Russet. She loves Mr. Oakly, and marries him, but becomes “a jealous wife,” watching her husband like a lynx, to find out some proof of infidelity, and distorting every casual remark as evidence thereof. Her aunt, Lady Freelove, tries to make her a woman of fashion, but without success. Ultimately, she is cured of her idiosyncrasy.—George Colman, The Jealous Wife (1761).
Harriet (Shattuck), superannuated tailoress who, with her blind sister, lives in the little house in which she was born. It leaks and shakes in the wind, and they are often hungry, but when they are removed to a “Home,” they steal away and walk fourteen miles back to the old house.—Mary E. Wilkins, A Humble Romance (1887.)
Harris (Mrs.), a purely imaginary character, existing only in the brain of Mrs. Sarah Gamp, and brought forth on all occasions to corroborate the opinions and trumpet the praises of Mrs. Gamp, the monthly nurse.
Harris, one of the trio of invalids who go up the Thames in quest of health. Their adventures are the theme of Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat (1889).
Harrises (The), family who live and die in the faith that, to be a born Harris is a career in itself. They are not rich, or learned, or accomplished, but eminently respectable, and clad in simple egotism as with a garment.—Annie Sheldon Coombs, As Common Mortals (1886).
Harrison (Dr.), the model of benevolence, who nevertheless takes in execution the goods and person of his friend Booth, because Booth, while pleading poverty, was buying expensive and needless jewelery.—Fielding, Amelia (1751).
Harrison (Major-General), one of the parliamentary commissioners.—Sir W. Scott, Woodstock (time, Commonwealth).
Harrison, the old stewart of Lady Bellenden, of the Tower of Tillietudlem.—Sir W. Scott, Old Mortality (time, Charles II.).
Har´rowby (John), of Stock’s Green, a homely, kind-hearted, honest Kentish farmer, with whom Lieutenant Worthington and his daughter Emily take lodgings. Though most desirous of showing his lodger kindness, he is constantly wounding his susceptibilities from blunt honesty and want of tact.
Dame Harrowby, wife of Farmer Harrowby.
Stephen Harrowby, son of Farmer Harrowby, who has a mania for soldiering, and calls himself “a perspiring young hero.”
Mary Harrowby, daughter of Farmer Harrowby.—G. Colman, The Poor Gentleman (1802).
Harringtons (The), Melchisedec. Fashionable tailor; “a grand man, despite his calling.” Of him and Mrs. Harrington it was said that she “had a Port, and Melchisedec a Presence.”
Caroline, married to Major Strike.
Harriet, married to Mr. Andrew Cogglesby.
Louisa, married to Señor Silva Diaz, Conde de Saldar.
Evan, the only son, brought up in polite circles, hates the name and trade of “tailor,” but bound in honor to pay his father’s debts. After many struggles and divers reverses, the contest between tradesman and diplomatist within him ends in his marriage to an heiress long beloved by him, and the appointment to the position of attaché to the Naples Embassy.—George Meredith, Evan Harrington (1888).
Harry (Sir), the servant of a baronet, who assumed the airs and title of his master, and was addressed as “Baronet,” or “Sir Harry.” He even quotes a bit of Latin: “O tempora! O Moses!”—Rev. James Townley, High Life Below Stairs (1759).
Harry (Blind), the minstrel, friend of Henry Smith.—Sir. W. Scott, Fair Maid of Perth (time, Henry IV.).
Harry (The Great), or Henri Grace à Dieu, a man-of-war built in the reign of Henry VII.
Harry Paddington, a highwayman in the gang of Captain Macheath. Peachum calls him “a poor, petty-larceny rascal, without the least genius;” and says, “even if the fellow were to live six months, he would never come to the gallows with credit.”—Gay, The Beggar’s Opera (1727).
Hart´house (2 syl.) a young man who begins life as a cornet of dragoons, but, being bored with everything, coaches himself up in statistics, and comes to Coketown to study facts. He falls in love with LouisaLouisa [née Gradgrind], wife of Josiah Bounderby, banker and mill-owner, but, failing to induce the young wife to elope with him, he leaves the place.—C. Dickens, Hard Times (1854).
Hartley (Adam), afterwards Dr. Hartly. Apprentice to Dr. Gray.—Sir W. Scott, The Surgeon’s Daughter (time, George II.).
Hartwell (Lady), a widow, courted by Fountain, Bellamore, and Harebrain.—Beaumont and Fletcher, Wit without Money (1639).
Harût and Marût, two angels sent by Allah to administer justice upon earth, because there was no righteous judgment among men. They acted well till Zoha´ra, a beautiful woman, applied to them, and then they both fell in love with her. She asked them to tell her the secret name of God, and immediately she uttered it, she was borne upwards into heaven, where she became the planet Venus. As for the two angels, they were imprisoned in a cave near Babylon.—Sale’s Korân, ii.
Hassan, caliph of the Ottoman empire, noted for his splendor and hospitality. In his seraglio was a beautiful young slave named Leila (2 syl.), who had formed an attachment to “the Giaour” (2 syl.). Leila is put to death by the emir, and Hassan is slain near Monut Parnassus by the giaour [djow´.er].—Byron, The Giaour (1813).
Hassan, the story-teller, in the retinue of the Arabian physician.—Sir W. Scott, The Talisman (time, Richard I.).
Hassan (Al), the Arabian emir of Persia, father of Hinda. He won the battle of Cadessia, and thus became master of Persia.—T. Moore, Lalla Rookh (“the Fire-Worshippers,” 1817).
Hassan surnamed Al Habbal (“the rope-maker”), and subsequently Cogia (“merchant”); his full name was then Cogia Hassan Alhabbal. Two friends, named Saad and Saadi, tried an experiment on him. Saadi gave him 200 pieces of gold in order to see if it would raise him from extreme poverty to affluence. Hassan took ten pieces for immediate use, and sewed the rest in his turban; but a kite pounced on his turban and carried it away. The two friends, after a time, visited Hassan again, but found him in the same state of poverty; and, having heard his tale, Saadi gave him another 200 pieces of gold. Again he took out ten pieces, and, wrapping the rest in a linen rag, hid it in a jar of bran. While Hassan was at work, his wife exchanged this jar of bran for fuller’s earth, and again the condition of the man was not bettered by the gift. Saad now gave the rope-maker a small piece of lead, and this made his fortune thus: A fisherman wanted a piece of lead for his nets, and promised to give Hassan for Saad’s piece whatever he caught in his first draught. This was a large fish, and in it the wife found a splendid diamond, which was sold for 100,000 pieces of gold. Hassan now became very rich, and when the two friends visited him again, they found him a man of consequence. He asked them to stay with him, and took them to his country house, when one of his sons showed him a curious nest, made out of a turban. This was the very turban which the kite had carried off, and the money was found in the lining. As they returned to the city, they stopped and purchased a jar of bran. This happened to be the very jar which the wife had given in exchange, and the money was discovered wrapped in linen at the bottom. Hassan was delighted, and gave the 180 pieces to the poor.—Arabian Nights (“Cogia Hassan Alhabbal”).
Hassan (Abou), the son of a rich merchant of Bagdad, and the hero of the tale called “The Sleeper Awakened” (q.v.).—Arabian Nights.
Hassan Aga, an infamous renegade, who reigned in Algiers, and was the sovereign there when Cervantes (author of Don Quixote) was taken captive by a Barbary corsair in 1574. Subsequently, Hassan bought the captive for 500 ducats, and he remained a slave till he was redeemed by a friar for 1000 ducats.
Every day this Hassan Aga was hanging one, impaling another, cutting off the ears or breaking the limbs of a third ... out of mere wantonness.—Cervantes (1605).
Hassan ben Sabah, the old man of the mountain, founder of the sect called the Assassins.
Dr. Adam Clark has supplemented Rymer’s Fœdera with two letters by this sheik. This is not the place to point out the want of judgment in these addenda.
Hastie (Robin), the smuggler and publican at Annan.—Sir W. Scott, Redgauntlet (time, George III.).
Hastings, the friend of young Marlow, who entered with him the house of Squire Hardcastle, which they mistook for an inn. Here the two young men met Miss Hardcastle and Miss Neville. Marlow became the husband of the former, and Hastings, by the aid of Tony Lumpkins, won the latter.—Goldsmith, She Stoops to Conquer (1773).
Hastings, one of the court of King Edward IV.—Sir W. Scott, Anne of Geierstein (time, Edward IV.).
Haswell, the benevolent physician who visited the Indian prisons, and for his moderation, benevolence, and judgment, received the sultan’s signet, which gave him unlimited power.—Mrs. Inchbald, Such Things Are (1786).
Hat (Gessler’s). The governor of the Swiss cantons in the reign of Albert I. set up his hat at Altorf, requiring the Swiss to salute it in passing. William Tell refused, and was sentenced to shoot an apple from the head of his son. Tell from this became prominent in achieving the liberties of Switzerland.
Hat (A White), used to be a mark of radical proclivities, because orator Hunt, the great demagogue, used to wear a white hat during the Wellington and Peel administration.
Hat worn in the Royal Presence. Lord Kingsdale acquired the right of wearing his hat in the presence of royalty by a grant from King John. Lord Forester is possessed of the same right, from a grant confirmed by Henry VIII.
Hats and Caps, two political factions of Sweden in the eighteenth century. The “Hats” were partisans in the French interest, and were so called because they wore French chapeaux. The “Caps” were partisans in the Russian interest, and were so called because they wore the Russian caps as a badge of their party.
Hatchway (Lieutenant Jack), a retired naval officer on half pay, living with Commodore Trunnion as a companion.—Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle (1751).
Who can read the calamities of Trunnion and Hatchway, when run away with by their mettled steed ... without a good hearty burst of honest laughter.—Sir W. Scott.
Hatef (i.e. the deadly), one of Mahomet’s swords, confiscated from the Jews when they were exiled from Medi´na.
Hatim (Generous as), an Arabian expression. Hatim was a Bedouin chief, famous for his warlike deeds and boundless generosity. His son was contemporary with Mahomet the prophet.
Hathaway (Richard). Young farmer whose “silent side” is imperfectly understood by his wife, Anstis Dolbeare, until a mutual sorrow brings them into sympathy each with the other.—A. D. T. Whitney, Hitherto (1869).
Hatteraick (Dirk), alias Jans Janson, a Dutch smuggler-captain, and accomplice of lawyer Glossin in kidnapping Henry Bertrand. Meg Merrilies conducts young Hazelwood and others to the smuggler’s cave, when Hatteraick shoots her, is seized, and imprisoned. Lawyer Glossin visits the villain in prison, when a quarrel ensues, in which Hatteraick strangles the lawyer, and then hangs himself.—Sir W. Scott, Guy Mannering (time, George II.).
Hatto, archbishop of Mentz, was devoured by mice in the Mouse-tower, situated in a little green island in the midst of the Rhine, near the town of Bingen. Some say he was eaten of rats, and Southey, in his ballad called God’s Judgment on a Wicked Bishop, has adopted the latter tradition.
This Hatto, in the time of the great famine of 914, when he saw the poor exceedingly oppressed by famine, assembled a great company of them together into a barne at Kaub, and burnt them ... because he thought the famine would sooner cease if those poor folks were despatched out of the world, for like mice they only devour food, and are of no good whatsoever.... But God ... sent against him a plague of mice, ... and the prelate retreated to a tower in the Rhine as a sanctuary; ... but the mice chased him continually, ... and at last he was most miserably devoured by those sillie creatures.—Coryat, Crudities, 571, 572.
⁂ Giraldus Cambrensis, in his Itinerary, xi. 2, says: “the larger sort of mice are called rati.” This may account for the substitution of rats for mice in the legend.
The legend of Hatto is very common, as the following stories will prove:—
Widerolf, bishop of Strasburg (997), was devoured by mice in the seventeenth year of his episcopate, because he suppressed the convent of Seltzen, on the Rhine.
Bishop Adolf, of Cologne, was devoured by mice or rats in 112.
Freiherr von Güttingen collected the poor in a great barn, and burnt them to death, mocking their cries of agony. He, like Hatto, was invaded by mice, ran to his castle of Güttingen, in the lake of Constance, whither the vermin pursued him, and ate him alive. The Swiss legend says the castle sank in the lake, and may still be seen. Freiherr von Güttingen had three castles, one of which was Moosburg.
Count Graaf, in order to enrich himself, bought up all the corn. One year a sad famine prevailed, and the count expected to reap a rich harvest by his speculation; but an army of rats, pressed by hunger,hunger, invaded his barns, and, swarming into his Rhine tower, fell on the old baron, worried him to death, and then devoured him.—Legends of the Rhine.
A similar story is told by William of Malmesbury, History, ii. 313 (Bohn’s edit.).
⁂ Some of the legends state that the “mice” were in reality “the soulssouls of the murdered people.”
Hatton (Sir Christopher), “the dancing chancellor.” He first attracted the attention of Queen Elizabeth by his graceful dancing at a masque. He was made by her chancellor and knight of the Garter.
⁂ M. de Lauzun, the favorite of Louis XVI., owed his fortune also to the manner in which he danced in the king’s quadrille.
You’ll know Sir Christopher by his turning out his toes,—famous, you know, for his dancing.—Sheridan, The Critic, ii. 1 (1779).
Hautlieu (Sir Artavan de), in the introduction of Sir W. Scott’s Count Robert of Paris (time, Rufus).
Hautlieu (The Lady Margaret de), first disguised as sister Ursula, and afterwards affianced to Sir Malcolm Fleming.—Sir W. Scott, Castle Dangerous (time, Henry I.).
Have´lok (2 syl.), or Hablok, the orphan son of Birkabegn, king of Denmark, was exposed at sea through the treachery of his guardians. The raft drifted to the coast of Lincolnshire, where it was discovered by Grim, a fisherman, who reared the young foundling as his own son. It happened that some twenty years later certain English nobles usurped the dominions of an English princess, and, to prevent her gaining any access of power by a noble alliance, resolved to marry her to a peasant. Young Havelok was selected as the bridegroom, but having discovered the story of his birth, he applied to his father Birkabegn for aid in recovering his wife’s possessions. The king afforded him the aid required, and the young foundling became in due time both king of Denmark and king of that part of England which belonged to him in right of his wife.—Havelok the Dane (by the trouveurs).
Havisham (Miss), an old spinster, who dressed always in her bridal dress, with lace veil from head to foot, white shoes, bridal flowers in her white hair, and jewels on her hands and neck. She was the daughter of a rich brewer, engaged to Compeyson, a young man, who deserted her on the wedding morning; from which moment she became fossilized (ch. xxii.). She fell into the fire, and died from the shock.
Estella Havisham, the adopted child of Miss Havisham, by whom she was brought up. She was proud, handsome, and self-possessed. Pip loved her, and probably she reciprocated his love, but she married Bentley Drummle, who died, leaving Estella a young widow. The tale ends with these words:
I [Pip] took her hand in mine, and we went out of the ruined place. As the morning mists had risen ... when I first left the forge, so the evening were rising now; and ... I saw no shadow of another parting from her.—C. Dickens, Great Expectations (1860).
Haw´cabite (3 syl.), a street bully. After the Restoration, we had a succession of these disturbers of the peace; first came the Muns, then followed the Tityre Tus, the Hectors, the Scourers, the Nickers, the Hawcabites, and after them the Mohawks, the most dreaded of all.
Hawk (Sir Mulberry), the bear-leader of Lord Frederick Verisopht. He is a most unprincipled roué, who sponges on his lordship, snubs him, and despises him. “Sir Mulberry was remarkable for his tact in ruining young gentlemen of fortune.”
Hawk-Eye. Name given by frontiermen to Natty Bumppo, who is also called by the French, La Longue Carbine.—James Fenimore Cooper, The Last of the Mohicans.
To know a hawk from a handsaw, a corruption of “from a hernshaw” (i.e. a heron), meaning that one is so ignorant, he does not know a hawk from a heron: the bird of prey from the game flown at. The Romans had a proverb, Ignorat quid distent ara lupinis (“he does not know money from lupines,” or beans); lupines were used on the Roman stage as money. We have a proverb, “He doesn’t know beans,” which may be descended from the Roman saying.
Hawthorn, a jolly, generous old fellow, of jovial spirit, and ready to do any one a kindness; consequently, everybody loves him. He is one of those rare, unselfish beings, who “loves his neighbor better than himself.”—I. Bickerstaff, Love in a Village.
Haworth. A starving lad, found in the snow at a foundry-door, becomes in time master of the works. He is imperious and greedy of power, making few friends and many foes. One human being believes in him—his mother—and when his ambition overvaults itself and he is ruined and in danger of being mobbed, she goes away with him into the darkness.—Frances Hodgson Burnett, Haworths (1879).
Hay (Colonel), in the king’s army.—Sir W. Scott, Legend of Montrose (time,time, Charles I.).
Hay (John), fisherman, near Ellangowan.—Sir W. Scott, Guy Mannering (time, George II.).
Haydn could never compose a single bar of music unless he could see on his finger the diamond ring given him by Frederick II.
Hayle (Maverick). Betrothed of Perley Kelso in The Silent Partner, by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. He cannot sympathize with her religious and philanthropic views, and, recognizing the truth that she has outgrown him, acquiesces in her wish for a dissolution of the engagement. He marries dainty, feather-headed “Fly.”
Hayston (Frank), laird of Bucklaw and afterwards of Girnington. In order to retrieve a broken fortune, a marriage was arranged between Hayston and Lucy Ashton. Lucy, being told that her plighted lover (Edgar, master of Ravenswood) was unfaithful, assented to the family arrangement, but stabbed her husband on the wedding night, went mad and died. Frank Hayston recovered from his wound and went abroad.—Sir W. Scott, Bride of Lammermoor (time, William III.).
⁂ In Donizetti’s opera, Hayston is called “Arturio.”
Hazelwood (Sir Robert), the old baronet of Hazelwood.
Charles Hazelwood, son of Sir Robert. In love with Lucy Bertram, whom he marries.—Sir W. Scott, Guy Mannering (time, George II.).
Head´rigg (Cuddie), a ploughman in Lady Bellenden’s service. (Cuddie-Cuthbert.)—Sir W. Scott, Old Mortality (time, Charles II.).
Headstone (Bradley), a school-master of very determined character and violent passion. He loves Lizzie Hexam with an irresistible, mad love, and tries to kill Eugene Wrayburn out of jealousy. Grappling with Rogue Riderhood on Plashwater Bridge, Riderhood falls backward into the smooth pit, and Headstone over him. Both of them perish in the grasp of a death-struggle.—C. Dickens, Our Mutual Friend (1864).
Hearn (Frank), lieutenant in U.S.A., against whom a charge is brought of refusing to pay just debts. He asserts that the account was paid, and the tradesman produces a ledger to prove the opposite. Joined to other evidence this seems conclusive, until Georgia Marshall, with whom Hearn is in love, catches sight of the ledger, and scribbles a note to her lover from the other side of the room. He raises a leaf of the ledger between the light and himself and discovers a water-mark—a date—that establishes the fact of perjury.—Charles King, An Army Portia (1890).
Heart of Midlothian, the old jail or tolbooth of Edinburgh, taken down in 1817.
Sir Walter Scott has a novel so called (1818), the plot of which is as follows:—Effie Deans, the daughter of a Scotch cow-feeder, is seduced by George Staunton, son of the rector of Willingham; and Jeanie is cited as a witness on the trial which ensues, by which Effie is sentenced to death for child murder. Jeanie promises to go to London and ask the king to pardon her half-sister, and after various perils, arrives at her destination. She lays her case before the duke of Argyll, who takes her in his carriage to Richmond, and obtains for her an interview with the queen, who promises to intercede with his majesty (George II.) on her sister’s behalf. In due time the royal pardon is sent to Edinburgh, Effie is released, and marries her seducer, now Sir George Staunton; but some years after the marriage Sir George is shot by a gypsy boy, who is in reality his illegitimate son. On the death of her husband, Lady Staunton retires to a convent on the continent. Jeanie marries Reuben Butler, the Presbyterian minister. The novel opens with the Porteous riots.
Heartall (Governor), an old bachelor, peppery in temper, but with a generous heart and unbounded benevolence. He is as simple minded as a child, and loves his young nephew almost to adoration.
Frank Heartall, the governor’s nephew, impulsive, free-handed and free-hearted, benevolent and frank. He falls in love with the Widow Cheerly, the daughter of Colonel Woodley, whom he sees first at the opera. Ferret, a calumniating rascal, tries to do mischief, but is utterly foiled.—Cherry, The Soldier’s Daughter (1804).
Heartfree (Jack), a railer against women and against marriage. He falls half in love with Lady Fanciful, on whom he rails, and marries Belinda.—Vanbrugh, The Provoked Wife (1693).
Heartwell, a friend of Modeley’s, who falls in love with Flora, a niece of old Farmer Freehold. They marry and are happy.—John Philip Kemble, The Farm-house.
Heatherblutter (John), gamekeeper of the baron of Bradwardine (3 syl.) at Tully Veolan.—Sir W. Scott, Waverley (time, George II.).
Heaven-sent Minister (The), William Pitt (1759-1806).
Hebe (2 syl.), goddess of youth, and cup-bearer of the immortals before Ganymede superseded her. She was the wife of Herculês, and had the power of making the aged young again. (See Plousina.)
Hebron, in the first part of Absalom and Achitophel, by Dryden, stands for Holland; but in the second part, by Tate, it stands for Scotland. Hebronite similarly means in one case a Hollander, and in the other a Scotchman.
Hec´ate (2 syl.), called in classic mythology Hec´.a.te (3 syl.); a triple deity, being Luna in heaven, Dian’a on earth, and Proserpine (3 syl.) in hell. Hecate presided over magic and enchantments, and was generally represented as having the head of a horse, dog or boar, though sometimes she is represented with three bodies, and three heads looking different ways. Shakespeare introduces her in his tragedy of Macbeth (act iii. sc. 5), as queen of the witches; but the witches of Macbeth have been largely borrowed from a drama called The Witch, by Thom. Middleton (died 1626). The following is a specimen of this indebtedness:—
Hector, one of the sons of Priam, king of Troy. This bravest and ablest of all the Trojan chiefs was generalissimo of the allied armies, and was slain in the last year of the war by Achillês, who, with barbarous fury, dragged the dead body insultingly thrice round the tomb of Patroclos and the walls of the beleagured city.—Homer, Iliad.
Hector de Mares (1 syl.) or Marys, a knight of the Round Table, brother of Sir Launcelot du Lac.
Hector of Germany, Joachim II., elector of Brandenburg (1514-1571).
Hector of the Mist, an outlaw, killed by Allan M’Aulay.—Sir W. Scott, Legend of Montrose (time, Charles I.).
Hectors, street bullies. Since the Restoration, we have had a succession of street brawlers, as the Muns, the Tityre Tus, the Hectors, the Scourers, the Nickers, the Hawcabites, and, lastly, the Mohawks, worst of them all.
Heeltap (Crispin), a cobbler, and one of the corporation of Garratt, of which Jerry Sneak is chosen mayor,—S. Foote, The Mayor of Garratt (1763).
Heep (Uriah), a detestable sneak, who is everlastingly forcing on one’s attention that he is so ’umble. Uriah is Mr. Wickfield’s clerk, and, with all his ostentatious ’umility, is most designing, malignant, and intermeddling. His infamy is dragged to light by Mr. Micawber.
Herr Piper, “representative in New Swedeland of the Great Gustavus, the bulwark of the Protestant Religion,” and a mighty stickler for forms and ceremonies appertaining to the office.—James Kirke Paulding, Königsmarke (1823).
Heidelberg (Mrs.), the widow of a wealthy Dutch merchant, who kept her brother’s house (Mr. Sterling, a city merchant). She was very vulgar, and “knowing the strength of her purse, domineered on the credit of it.” Mrs. Heidelberg had most exalted notions “of the quality,” and a “perfect contempt for everything that did not smack of high life.” Her English was certainly faulty, as the following specimens will show:—farden, wolgar, spurrit, pertest, Swish, kivers, purliteness, etc. She spoke of a pictur by Raphael-Angelo, a po-shay, dish-abille, parfect naturals [idiots], most genteelest, and so on. When thwarted in her overbearing ways, she threatened to leave the house and go to Holland to live with her husband’s cousin, Mr. Vanderspracken.—Colman and Garrick, The Clandestine Marriage (1766).
Heimdall (2 syl.), in Celtic mythology, was the son of nine virgin sisters. He dwelt in the celestial Fort Himinsbiorg, under the extremity of the rainbow. His ear was so acute that he could hear “the wool grow on the sheep’s back, and the grass in the meadows.” Heimdall was the watch or sentinel of Asgard (Olympus), and even in his sleep was able to see everything that happened (See Fine-ear).
Heimdall’s Horn. At the end of the world, Heimdall will wake the gods with his horn, when they will be attacked by Muspell, Loki, the wolf Fenris, and the serpent Jormunsgandar.
Heinrich (Poor), or “Poor Henry,” the hero and title of a poem by Hartmann von der Aue [Our]. Heinrich was a rich nobleman, struck with leprosy, and was told he would never recover till some virgin of spotless purity volunteeredvolunteered to die on his behalf. As Heinrich neither hoped nor even wished for such a sacrifice, he gave the main part of his possessions to the poor, and went to live with a poor tenant farmer, who was one of his vassals. The daughter of this farmer heard by accident on what the cure of the leper depended, and went to Salerno to offer herself as the victim. No sooner was the offer made than the lord was cured, and the damsel became his wife (twelfth century).
⁂ This tale forms the subject of Longfellow’s Golden Legend (1851).
Heir-at-Law. Baron Dubeley being dead, his “heir-at-law” was Henry Morland, supposed to be drowned at sea, and the next heir was Daniel Dowlas, a chandler of Gosport. Scarcely had Daniel been raised to his new dignity, when Henry Morland, who had been cast on Cape Breton, made his appearance, and the whole aspect of affairs was changed. That Dowlas might still live in comfort, suitable to his limited ambition, the heir of the barony settled on him a small life annuity.—G. Colman, Heir-at-law, (1797).
Hel´a, queen of the dead. She is daughter of Loki and Angurbo´da (a giantess). Her abode, called Helheim, was a vast castle in Niflheim, in the midst of eternal snow and darkness.
Helen, wife of Menelāos of Sparta. She eloped with Paris, a Trojan prince, while he was the guest of the Spartan king. Menelaos, to avenge this wrong, induced the allied armies of Greece to invest Troy; and after a siege of ten years, the city was taken and burnt to the ground.
⁂ A parallel incident occurred in Ireland. Dervorghal, wife of Tiernan O’Ruark, an Irish chief who held the county of Leitrim, eloped with Dermod M’Murchad, prince of Leinster. Tiernan induced O’Connor, king of Connaught, to avenge this wrong. So O’Connor drove Dermod from his throne. Dermod applied to Henry II. of England, and this was the incident which brought about the conquest of Ireland (1172).—Leland, History of Ireland (1773).
Helen, the heroine of Miss Edgeworth’s novel of the same name. This was her last and most popular tale (1834).
Helen, cousin of Modus, the bookworm. She loved her cousin, and taught him there was a better “art of love” than that written by Ovid.—S. Knowles, The Hunchback (1831).
Helen Lorrington. Accomplished young widow, Anne Douglas’s intimate friend. She is the semi-betrothed of Ward Heathcote, who nevertheless considers himself free to woo Anne. After many complications, Heathcote, believing Anne already married becomes Helen’s husband. The latter is murdered a year or two later under circumstances that cast suspicion upon Heathcote. Through Anne’s efforts and testimony he is acquittedacquitted, and finally marries her.—Constance Fennimore Woolson, Anne (1882).
Helen (Lady), in love with Sir Edward Mortimer. Her uncle insulted Sir Edward in a county assembly, struck him down, and trampled on him. Sir Edward, returning home, encountered the drunken ruffian and murdered him. He was tried for the crime, and acquitted “without a stain upon his character;” but the knowledge of the deed preyed upon his mind so that he could not marry the niece of the murdered man. After leading a life of utter wretchedness, Sir Edward told Helen that he was the murderer of her uncle, and died.—G. Colman, The Iron Chest (1796).
Helen [Mowbray], in love with Walsingham. “Of all grace the pattern—person, feature, mind, heart, everything as nature had essayed to frame a work where none could find a flaw.” Allured by Lord Athunree to a house of ill-fame, under pretence of doing a work of charity, she was seen by Walsingham as she came out, and he abandoned her as a wanton. She then assumed male attire, with the name of Eustace. Walsingham became her friend, was told that Eustace was Helen’s brother, and finally discovered that Eustace was Helen herself. The mystery being cleared up, they became man and wife.—S. Knowles, Woman’s Wit, etc. (1838).
Helen’s Fire (feu d’Hélène), a comazant called “St. Helme’s” or “St. Elmo’s fire” by the Spaniards; the “fires of St. Peter and St. Nicholas” by the Italians; and “Castor and Pollux” by the ancient Romans. This electric light will sometimes play about the masts of ships. If only one appears, foul weather may be looked for; but if two or more flames appear, the worst of the storm is over.
Helen (Rolleston), heroine of Charles Reade’s novel, Foul Play. She is betrothed to Wardlaw, chief villain of the story, and sets out on a sea-voyage to restore her health; is shipwrecked and cast on an island with Herbert Penfold. After their return to England, she rights the wronged Penfold, and punishes Wardlaw.
Helen, wife of John Ward, Preacher. Her husband is a Calvinist of a pronounced type; she a believer in Universal Salvation. The spiritual agonies to which they are subjected by the difference in creeds, separate them for a while and are the moving cause of John Ward’s death. He passes away, convinced that “his death is to be the climax of God’s plans for her.”—Margaret Deland, John Ward, Preacher (1888).
Hel´ena (St.), daughter of Coel, duke Colchester, and afterwards king of Britain. She married Constantius (a Roman senator, who succeeded “Old King Cole”), and became the mother of Constantine the Great. Constantius died at York (a.d. 306). Helena is said to have discovered at Jerusalem the sepulchre and cross of Jesus Christ.—Geoffrey, British History v. 6 (1142).
⁂ This legend is told of the Colchester arms, which consist of a cross and three crowns (two atop and one at the foot of the cross).
At a considerable depth beneath the surface of the earth were found three crosses which were instantly recognized as those on which Christ and the two thieves had suffered death. To ascertain which was the true cross, a female corpse was placed on all three alternately; the two first tried produced no effect, but the third instantly reanimated the body.—J. Brady, Clavis Calendaria, 181.
Helena, only daughter of Gerard de Narbon, the physician. She was left under the charge of the countess of Rousillon, whose son Bertram she fell in love with. The king sent for Bertram to the palace, and Helena, hearing the king was ill, obtained permission of the countess to give him a prescription left by her late father. The medicine cured the king, and the king, in gratitude, promised to make her the wife of any one of his courtiers that she chose. Helena selected Bertram, and they were married; but the haughty count, hating the alliance, left France, to join the army of the duke of Florence. Helena, in the mean time, started on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Jacques le Grand, carrying with her a letter from her husband, stating that he would never see her more “till she could get the ring from off his finger.” On her way to the shrine, she lodged at Florence with a widow, the mother of Diana, with whom Bertram was wantonly in love. Helena was permitted to pass herself off as Diana, and received his visits, in one of which they exchanged rings. Both soon after this returned to the Countess de Rousillon, where the king was, and the king, seeing on Bertram’s finger the ring which he gave to Helena, had him arrested on suspicion of murder. Helena now explained the matter, and all was well, for all ended well.—Shakespeare, All’s Well that ends Well (1598).
Helena is a young woman, seeking a man in marriage. The ordinary laws of courtship are reversed, the habitual feelings are violated; yet with such exquisiteexquisite address this dangerous subject is handled that Helena’s forwardness loses her no honor. Delicacy dispenses with her laws in her favor.—C. Lamb.
Helena, a young Athenian lady, in love with Demētrius. She was the playmate of Her´mia, with whom she grew up, as “two cherries on one stalk.”stalk.” Egēus (3 syl.), the father of Hermia, promised his daughter in marriage to Demetrius; but when Demetrius saw that Hermia loved Lysander, he turned to Helena, who loved him dearly, and married her.—Shakespeare, Midsummer Night’s Dream (1592).
Hel´inore (Dame), wife of Malbecco, who was jealous of her, and not without cause. When Sir Paridel, Sir Sat´yrane (3 syl.), and Britomart (as the squire of Dames) took refuge in Malbecco’s house, Dame Helinore and Sir Paridel had many “false belgardes” at each other, and talked love with glances which needed no interpreter. Helinore, having set fire to the closet where Malbecco kept his treasures, eloped with Paridel, while the old miser stopped to put out the fire. Paridel soon tired of the dame, and cast her off, leaving her to roam whither she listed. She was taken up by the satyrs, who made her their dairy-woman, and crowned her queen of the May.—Spenser, Faëry Queen, iii. 9, 10 (1590).
Viridi colore est gemma helitropion, non ita acuto sed nubilo magis et represso, stellis puniceis superspersa. Causa nominis de effectu lapidis est et potestate. Dejecta in labris æneis radios solis mutat sanguineo repercussu, utraque aqua splendorem aëris abjicit et avertit. Etiam illud posse dicitur, ut herba ejusdem nominis mixta et præcantationibus legitimis consecrata eum, a quocunque gestabitur, subtrahat visibus obviorum.—Solinus, Geog., xl.
Helisane de Crenne, contemporary with Pâquier. She wrote her own biography, including the “history of her own death.”—Angoisses Doloureuses (Lyons, 1546).
Hel Keplein, a mantle of invisibility, belonging to the dwarf-king Laurin. (See Invisibility.)—The Heldenbuch (thirteenth century).
Hell, according to Mohammedan belief is divided into seven compartments: (1) for Mohammedans, (2) for Jews, (3) for Christians, (4) for Sabians,Sabians, (5) for Magians, (6) for idolaters, (7) for hypocrites. All but idolaters and unbelievers will be in time released from torment.
Hell, Dantê says, is a vast funnel divided into eight circles, with ledges more or less rugged. Each circle, of course, is narrower that the one above, and the last goes down to the very centre of the earth. Before the circles begin, there is a neutral land and a limbo. In the neutral land wander those not bad enough for hell nor good enough for heaven; in the limbo, those who knew no sin but were not baptized Christians. Coming then to hell proper, circle 1, he says, is compassed by the river Achĕron, and in this division of inferno dwell the spirits of the heathen philosophers. Circle 2 is presided over by Minos, and here are the spirits of those guilty of carnal and sinful love. Circle 3 is guarded by Cerbĕrus, and this is the region set apart for gluttons. Circle 4, presided over by Plutus, is the realm of the avaricious. Circle 5 contains the Stygian Lake, and here flounder in deep mud those who in life put no restraint on their anger. Circle 6 (in the city of Dis) is for those who did violence to man by force or fraud. Circle 7 (in the city of Dis) is for suicides. Circle 8 (also in the city of Dis) is for blasphemers and heretics. After the eight circles comes the ten pits or chasms of Malebolgê (4 syl.), the last of which is the centre of the earth, and here he says is the frozen river of Cocy´tus. (See Inferno.)
Hellespont. Leander used to swim across the Hellespont to visit Hero, a priestess of Sestos. Lord Byron and Lieutenant Ekenhead repeated the feat and accomplished it in seventy minutes, the distance being four miles (allowing for drifting).