Hellica´nus, the able and honest minister of Per´iclês, to whom he left the charge of Tyre during his absence. Being offered the crown, Hellicānus nobly declined the offer, and remained faithful to the prince throughout.—Shakespeare, Pericles, Prince of Tyre (1608).
Helmet of Invisibility. The helmet of Perseus (2 syl.) rendered the wearer invisible. This was in reality the “Helmet of Ha´dès,” and after Perseus had slain Medu´sa he restored it, together with the winged sandals and magic wallet. The “gorgon’s head” he presented to Minerva, who placed it in the middle of her ægis. (See Invisibility.)
⁂ Mambrīno’s helmet had the same magical power, though Don Quixote, even in his midsummer madness, never thought himself invisible when he donned the barber’s basin.
Heloise. La Nouvelle Héloïse, a romance by Jean Jacques Rousseau (1761).
He´mera, sister of Prince Memnon, mentioned by Dictys Cretensis. Milton, in his Il Penseroso, speaks of “Prince Memnon’s sister” (1638).
Hem´junah, princess of Cassimir´, daughter of the Sultan Zebene´zer; betrothed at the age of 13 to the prince of Georgia. As Hemjunah had never seen the prince, she ran away to avoid a forced marriage, and was changed by Ulin, the enchanter, into a toad. In this form she became acquainted with Misnar, sultan of India, who had likewise been transformed into a toad by Ulin. Misnar was disenchanted by a dervise, and slew Ulin; whereupon the princess recovered her proper shape, and returned home. A rebellion broke out in Cassimir, but the “angel of death” destroyed the rebel army, and Zebenezer was restored to his throne. His surprise was unbounded when he found that the prince of Georgia and the sultan of India were one and the same person; and Hemjunah said, “Be assured, O Sultan, that I shall not refuse the hand of the prince of Georgia, even if my father commands my obedience.”—Sir C. Morell [J. Ridly] Tales of the Genii (“Princess of Cassimir,” vii., 1751).
Hemlock. Socratês the Wise and Phocion the Good were both by the Athenians condemned to death by hemlock juice, Socratês at the age of 70 (B.C. 399) and Phocion at the age of 85 (B.C. 317).
Hemps´kirke (2 syl.), a captain serving under Wolfort, the usurper of the earldom of Flanders.—Beaumont and Fletcher, The Beggar’s Bush (1622).
Henderson (Rodney syl.), representative American who makes money by unscrupulous operations in stocks.—Charles Dudley Warner, A Little Journey in the World (1889).
Henderson (Elias) syl., chaplain at Lochleven Castle.—Sir W. Scott, The Abbot (time, Elizabeth).
Henneberg (Count syl.). One day a beggar-woman asked Count Henneberg’s wife for alms. The countess twitted her for carrying twins, whereupon the woman cursed her, with the assurance that “her ladyship should be the mother of 365 children.” The legend says that the countess bore them at one birth, but none of them lived any length of time. All the girls were named Elizabeth, and all the boys John. They are buried, we are told, at the Hague.
Henrietta Maria, widow of King Charles I., introduced in Sir W. Scott’s Peveril of the Peak (1823).
Henrietta Street, Cavendish Square, London, is so called in compliment to Henrietta Cavendish, daughter of John Holles, duke of Newcastle, and wife of Edward, second earl of Oxford and Mortimer. From these come “Edward Street,” “Henrietta Street,” “Cavendish Square,” and “Holles Street.”
Henriette (3 syl.), daughter of Chrysale (2 syl.) and Philaminte (3 syl.). She is in love with Clitandre, and ultimately becomes his wife. Philaminte, who is a blue-stocking, wants Henriette to marry Trissotin, a bel esprit; and Armande the sister, also a bas bleu, thinks that Henriette ought to devote her life to science and philosophy; but Henriette loves woman’s work far better, and thinks that her natural province is domestic life, with wifely and motherly duties. Her father Chrysale takes the same views of woman’s life as his daughter Henriette, but he is quite under the thumb of his strong-minded wife. However love at last prevails, and Henriette is given in marriage to the man of her choice. The French call Henriette “the type of a perfect woman,” i.e., a thorough woman.—Molière, Les Femmes Savantes (1672).
Henrique (Don), an uxorious lord, cruel to his younger brother Don Jamie. Don Henrique is the father of Asca´nio, and the supposed husband of Violan´te (4 syl.).—Beaumont and Fletcher, The Spanish Curate (1622).
Henri, boy, four years old, who, finding his friend “the doctor” bound naked to a trestle to which he was strapped by pirates, follows his directions and gnaws asunder the strips of raw hide tying the victim down, and frees him.—Henry Augustus Wise, U.S.N., Captain Brand of the Schooner Centipede (1864).
Henry, a soldier engaged to Louisa. Some rumors of gallantry to Henry’s disadvantage having reached the village, he is told that Louisa is about to be married to another. In his despair he gives himself up as a deserter, and is condemned to death. Louisa now goes to the king, explains to him the whole matter, obtains her sweetheart’s pardon, and reaches the jail just as the muffled drum begins to beat the death march.—Dibdin, The Deserter (1770).
Henry, son of Sir Philip Blandford’s brother. Both the brothers loved the same lady, but the younger marrying her, Sir Philip, in his rage, stabbed him, as it was thought, mortally. In due time, the young “widow” had a son (Henry) a very high-minded, chivalrous young man, greatly beloved by every one. After twenty years, his father re-appeared under the name of Morrington, and Henry married his cousin Emma Blandford.—Thom. Morton, Speed the Plough (1798).
Henry (Poor), prince of Hoheneck, in Bavaria. Being struck with leprosy, he quitted his lordly castle, gave largely to the poor, and retired to live with a small cottage farmer named Gottlieb [Got.leeb], one of his vassals. He was told that he would never be cured till a virgin, chaste and spotless, offered to die on his behalf. Elsie, the farmer’s daughter, offered herself, and after great resistance, the prince accompanied her to Salerno to complete the sacrifice. When he arrived at the city, either the exercise, the excitement, or the charm of some relic, no matter what, had effected an entire cure, and when he took Elsie into the cathedral, the only sacrifice she had to make was that of her maiden name for Lady Alicia, wife of Prince Henry of Hoheneck.—Hartmann von der Aue (minnesinger), Poor Henry (twelfth century).
⁂ This tale is the subject of Longfellow’s Golden Legend (1851).
Henry (Patrick), Virginian orator, who, in the House of Burgesses, first raised the cry of “Liberty or Death” in the struggle of the American Colonies for Independence.
Patrick Henry’s first legal triumph was in November, 1763, in the since famous Parson’s Cause.
“In the language of those who heard him on this occasion, ‘he made their blood run cold, and their hair to rise on end ...’”
“The jury seem to have been so completely bewildered, that, thoughtless even of the admitted right of the plaintiff, they had scarcely left the bar when they returned with a verdict of one penny damages.”—William Wirt, Life of Patrick Henry (1818).
Henry (Prince), Bernardine du Born, arraigned for treason, replies to King Henry’s questions,
with
The king, smitten by memories of his son, whose chosen intimate Bernardine was, forgives the offender:—
Henry II., king of England, introduced by Sir W. Scott, both in The Betrothed and in The Talisman (1825).
Henry V., Shakespeare’s drama, founded on The Famous Victories of Henry V.: containing the Honorable Battle of Agincourt. As it is plaide by the Queenes Magesties players, 1598. Shakespeare’s play appeared in print in 1600 (quarto).
Henry VI., Shakespeare’s dramas of this reign are founded on The First Part of the Contention betwixt the two Famous Houses of Yorke and Lancaster, with the Death of the Good Duke Humphrey, etc. As it was sundry times acted by the Right Honorable the Earle of Pembroke his Servants, 1600.
Another. The True Tragedie of Richard Duke of Yorke, and the Death of Good Henri VI., etc. As it was sundry times acted ... (as above).
Henry VIII. and Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn was the second wife of Henry VIII. He divorced Katharine of Aragon in order to marry Anne; wearied of her in turn, and had her beheaded in 1536.
He´par, the Liver personified, the arch-city in The Purple Island, by Phineas Fletcher. Fully described in canto iii. (1633).
Hephæs´tos, the Greek name for Vulcan. The Vulcanic period of geology is that unknown period before the creation of man, when the molten granite and buried metals were upheaved by internal heat, through the overlying strata, sometimes even to the very surface of the earth.
Hepzibah (Pyncheon), gentlewoman, reduced to the necessity of keeping a small shop in the ancient homestead. She idolizes her brother Clifford, a melancholy, refined man, who, terrified by an empty threat of his cousin, Judge Pyncheon, flees the house. Hepzibah goes with him. Recovering from their panic, they return in time to avoid the suspicion of having caused the Judge’s sudden death, which makes them rich.—Nathaniel Hawthorne, House of the Seven Gables (1851).
Herbert (Sir William), friend of Sir Hugo de Lacy.—Sir W. Scott, The Betrothed (time, Henry II.).
Her´culês shot Nessus for offering insult to his wife Dei´-j-a-nī-ra, and the dying centaur told Deijanira that if she dipped in his blood her husband’s shirt, she would secure his love forever. Herculês, being about to offer sacrifice, sent Lichas for the shirt; but no sooner was it warmed by the heat of his body than it caused such excruciating agony that the hero went mad, and seizing Lichas, he flung him into the sea.
Herculés Mad is the subject of a Greek tragedy by Eurip´idês, and of a Latin one by Sen´eca.
⁂ Diodōrus says there were three Herculêses; Cicero recognizes six (three of which were Greeks, one Egyptian, one Cretan, and one Indian); Varro says there were forty-three.
Herculés’s Choice. When Herculês was a young man, he was accosted by two women, Pleasure and Virtue, and asked to choose which he would follow. Pleasure promised him all carnal delights, but Virtue promised him immortality. Herculês gave his hand to the latter, and hence led a life of great toil, but was ultimately received amongst the immortals.—Xenophon.
⁂ Mrs. Barbauld has borrowed this allegory, but instead of Herculês has substituted Melissa, “a young girl,” who is accosted by Dissipation and Housewifery. While she is somewhat in doubt which to follow, Dissipation’s mask falls off, and immediately Melissa beholds such a “wan and ghastly countenance,” that she turns away in horror, and gives her hand to the more sober of the two ladies.—Evenings at Home, xix. (1795).
Herculês’s Horse, Arion, given him by Adrastos. It had the gift of human speech, and its feet on the right side were those of a man.
Herculês’s Pillars, Calpê and Ab´yla, one at Gibraltar and the other at Ceuta (3 syl.). They were torn asunder by Alcīdês on his route to Gadês (Cadiz).
Herculês’s Ports: (1) “Herculis Corsani Portus” (now called Porto-Ercolo, in Etruria); (2) “Herculis Liburni Portus” (now called Livorno, i.e. Leghorn); (3) “Herculis Monœci-Portus” (now called Monaco, near Nice).
Herculês (The Attic), Theseus (2 syl.), who went about, like Herculês, destroying robbers, and performing most wonderful exploits.
Herculês (The Cretan). All the three Idæan Dactyls were so called: viz., Kelmis (“the smelter”), Damnamĕneus (“the hammer”), and Acmon (“the anvil”).
Herculês (The Egyptian), Sesostris (fl. B.C. 1500). Another was Som or Chon, called by Pausanias, Macĕris, son of Amon.
Herculês (The English), Guy, earl of Warwick (890-958).
Herculês (The Farnesê), a statue, the work of Glykon, copied from one by Lysip´pos, called Farnesê, because formerly in the Farnesê palace in Rome with the Farnesê Bull, the Flora, and the Gladiator. All but the Gladiator are now in the Naples Museum. The Gladiator is in the British Museum. The “Farnesê Herculês” represents the hero exhausted by toil, leaning on his club; and in his left hand, which rests on his back, he holds one of the apples of the Hesperĭdês.
⁂ A copy of this famous statue stands in the Tuileries gardens of Paris. An excellent description of the statue is given by Thomson, in his Liberty, iv.
Herculês (The Indian), Dorsănês, who married Pandæa, and became the progenitor of the Indian kings. Belus is sometimes called “The Indian Herculês.”
Herculês (The Jewish), Samson (died B.C. 113).
Herculês (The Russian), Rustum.
Herculês (The Swedish), Starchatĕrus (first Christian century).
Hercules of Music, Christoph von Glück (1714-1787).
Herculês Secundus. Commŏdus, the Roman emperor, gave himself this title. He was a gigantic idiot, who killed 100 lions, and overthrew 1000 gladiators in the amphitheatre (161, 180-195).
Heren-Suge (The), a seven-headed hydra of Basque mythology, like the Deccan cobras.
Heretics (Hammer of), Pierre d’Ailly (1350-1425).
John Faber is also called “The Hammer of Heretics,” from the title of one of his works (*-1541).
Heretics (Scientific).
Feargal, bishop of Saltzburg, an Irishman, was denounced as a heretic for asserting the existence of antipodês (*-784).
Galileo, the astronomer, was cast into prison for maintaining the “heretical opinion” that the earth moved round the sun (1564-1642).(1564-1642).
Giordano Bruno was burnt alive for maintainingmaintaining that matter is the mother of all things (1550-1600).
Her´eward (3 syl.), one of the Varangian guard of Alexius Comnēnus, emperor of Greece.—Sir W. Scott, Count Robert of Paris (time, Rufus).
Hereward the Wake (or Vigilant), lord of Born, in Lincolnshire. He plundered and burnt the abbey of Peterborough (1070); established his camp in the Isle of Ely, where he was joined by Earl Morcar (1071); he was blockaded for three months by William I., but made his escape with some of his followers. This is the name and subject of one of Kingsley’s novels.
Her´iot (Master George), goldsmith to James I.; guardian of Lady Hermionê.—Sir W. Scott, Fortunes of Nigel (time, James I.).
Herman, a deaf and dumb boy, jailer of the dungeon of the Giant’s Mount. Meeting Ulrica, he tries to seize her, when a flash of lightning strikes the bridge on which he stands, and Herman is thrown into the torrent.—E. Stirling, The Prisoner of State (1847).
Herman (Sir), of Goodalicke, one of the perceptors of the Knights Templars.—Sir W. Scott, Ivanhoe (time, Richard I.).
Hermann, the hero of Goethe’s poem Hermann and Dorothea. Goethe tells us that the object of this poem is to “show“show as in a mirror, the great movements and changes of the world’s stage.”
Hermaph´rodite (4 syl.), son of Venus and Mercury. At the age of 15, he bathed in a fountain of Caria, when Sal´macis, the fountain nymph, fell in love with him, and prayed the gods to make the two one body. Her prayers being heard, the two became united into one, but still preserved the double sex.
Hermegild or Hermyngyld, wife of the lord-constable of Northumberland. She was converted by Constance, but was murdered by a knight whose suit had been rejected by the young guest, in order to bring her into trouble. The villainy being discovered, the knight was executed, and Constance married the king, whose name was Alla. Hermegild, at the bidding of Constance, restored sight to a blind Briton.—Chaucer, Canterbury Tales (“Man of Law’s Tale,” 1388).
(The word is spelt “Custaunce” 7 times, “Constance” 15 times, and “Constaunce” 17 times, in the tale.)tale.)
Hermegild, a friend of Oswald, in love with Gartha (Oswald’s sister). He was a man in the middle age of life, of counsel sage, and great prudence. When Hubert (the brother of Oswald) and Gartha wished to stir up a civil war to avenge the death of Oswald, who had been slain in single combat with Prince Gondibert, Hermegild wisely deterred them from the rash attempt, and diverted the anger of the camp by funeral obsequies of a most imposing character. The tale of Gondibert being unfinished, the sequel is not known.—Sir W. Davenant, Gondibert (died 1668).
Her´mês (2 syl.), son of Maia; patron of commerce. Akenside makes Hermês say to the Thames, referring to the merchant ships of England:
(The Bætis is the Guadalquiver, and the Bætic vale Granāda and Andalucia).
Her´mês (2 syl.), the same as Mercury, and applied both to the god and to the metal. Milton calls quicksilver “volatil Hermês.”
Hermês (St.), same as St. Elmo, Suerpo Santo, Castor and Pollux, etc. A comazant or electric light, seen occasionally on ship’s masts.
“They shall see the fire which saylors call St. Hermes, fly uppon their shippe, and alight upon the toppe of the mast.”—De Loier, Treatise of Spectres, 67 (1605).
Hermês Trismegis´tus (Hermês “thrice-greatest”“thrice-greatest”), the Egyptian Thoth, to whom is ascribed a host of inventions: as the art of writing in hieroglyphics, the first Egyptian code of laws, the art of harmony, the science of astrology, the invention of the late and lyre, magic, etc. (twentieth century B.C.).
Her´mesind (3 syl.), daughter of Pelayo and Gaudio´sê. She was plighted to Alphonso, son of Lord Pedro of Cantabria. Both Alphonso and Hermesind at death were buried in the cave of St. Antony, in Covadonga.
Her´mia, daughter of Ege´us (3 syl.) of Athens, and promised by him in marriage to Demētrius. As Hermia loved Lysander, and refused to marry Demetrius, her father summoned her before the duke, and requested that the “law of the land” might be carried out, which was death or perpetual virginity. The duke gave Hermia four days to consider the subject, at the expiration of which time she was either to obey her father or lose her life. She now fled from Athens with Lysander. Demetrius went in pursuit of her, and Helĕna, who doted on Demetrius, followed. All four came to a wood, and falling asleep from weariness, had a dream about the fairies. When Demetrius woke up, he came to his senses, and seeing that Hermia loved another, consented to marry Helena; and Egēus gladly gave the hand of his daughter to Lysander.—Shakespeare, Midsummer Night’s Dream (1592).
Herm´ion, the young wife of Damon “the Pythagore´an” and senator of Syracuse.—J. Banium, Damon and Pythias (1825).
Hermionê (4 syl.) or Harmo´nia, wife of Cadmus. Leaving Thebes, Cadmus and his wife went to Illyr´ia, and were both changed into serpents for having killed a serpent sacred to Mars.—Ovid, Metamorphoses, iv. 590, etc.
Hermionê, (4 syl.), wife of Leontês, king of Sicily. The king, being jealous, sent her to prison, where she gave birth to a daughter, who, at the king’s command, was to be placed on a desert shore and left to perish. The child was driven by a storm to the “coast” of Bohemia, and brought up by a shepherd who called her Per´dĭta. Florĭzel, the son of Polixenês, king of Bohemia, fell in love with her, and they fled to Sicily to escape the vengeance of the angry king. Being introduced to Leontês, it was soon discovered that Perdita was his lost daughter, and Polixenês gladly consented to the union he had before objected to. Pauli´na (a lady about the court) now asked the royal party to her house to inspect a statue of Hermionê, which turned out to be the living queen herself.—Shakespeare, The Winter’s Tale (1594).
Hermionê, (4 syl.), only daughter of Helen and Menelā´os (4 syl.) king of Sparta. She was betrothed to Orestês, but after the fall of Troy was promised by her father in marriage to Pyrrhus, king of Epirus. Orestes madly loved her, but Hermione as madly loved Pyrrhus. When Pyrrhus fixed his affections on Androm´achê (widow of Hector, and his captive), the pride and jealousy of Hermione were roused. At this crisis, an embassy led by Orestês arrived at the court of Pyrrhus, to demand the death of Asty´anax, the son of Andromachê and Hector, lest when he grew to manhood he might seek to avenge his father’s death. Pyrrhus declined to give up the boy, and married Andromachê. The passion of Hermionê was now goaded to madness; and when she heard that the Greek ambassadors had fallen on Pyrrhus and murdered him, she stabbed herself and died.—Ambrose Philips, The Distressed Mother (1712).
This was a famous part with Mrs. Porter (*-1762), and with Miss Young, better known as Mrs. Pope (1740-1797).
Hermionê (4 syl.), daughter of Dannischemend, the Persian sorcerer, mentioned in Donnerhugel’s narrative.—Sir W. Scott, Anne of Geierstein (time, Edward IV.).
Hermionê (The Lady), or Lady Ermin´ia Pauletti, privately married to Lord Dalgarno.—Sir W. Scott, Fortunes of Nigel (time, James I.).
Hermit, the pseudonym of the poet Hayley, the friend of Cowper.
Hermit (The English), Roger Crab, who subsisted on three farthings a week, his food being bran, herbs, roots, dock leaves, and mallows (*-1680).
Hermit (Peter the), the instigator of the first crusade (1050-1115).
Hermit and the Youth (The). A hermit, desirous to study the ways of Providence, met with a youth, who became his companion. The first night, they were most hospitably entertained by a nobleman, but at parting the young man stole his entertainer’s golden goblet. Next day, they obtained with difficulty of a miser shelter from a severe storm, and at parting the youth gave him the golden goblet. Next night, they were modestly but freely welcomed by one of the middle class, and at parting the youth “crept to the cradle where an infant slept, and wrung its neck.” It was the only child of their kind host. Leaving the hospitable roof, they lost their way, and were set right by a guide, whom the youth pushed into a river, and he was drowned. The hermit began to curse the youth, when lo! he turned into an angel, who thus explained his acts:
“I stole the goblet from the rich lord to teach him not to trust in uncertain riches. I gave the goblet to the miser to teach him that kindness always meets its reward. I strangled the infant because the man loved it better than he loved God. I pushed the guide into the river because he intended at night-fall to commit a robbery.” The hermit bent his head and cried, “The ways of the Lord are past finding out! but He doeth all things well. Teach me to say with faith, ‘Thy will be done?’”—Parnell. (1679-1717).
In the Talmud is a similar and better allegory. Rabbi Jachanan accompanied Elijah on a journey, and they came to the house of a poor man, whose only treasure was a cow. The man and his wife ran to meet and welcome the strangers, but next morning the poor man’s cow died. Next night they were coldly received by a proud, rich man, who fed them only with bread and water; and next morning Elijah sent for a mason to repair a wall which was falling down, in return for the hospitality received. Next night they entered a synagogue, and asked, “Who will give a night’s lodging to two travellers!” but none offered to do so. At parting, Elijah said, “I hope you will all be made presidents.” The following night they were lodged by the members of another synagogue in the best hotel of the place, and at parting Elijah said, “May the Lord appoint over you but one president.” The rabbi, unable to keep silence any longer, begged Elijah to explain the meaning of his dealings with men; and Elijah replied:
“In regard to the poor man who received us so hospitably, it was decreed that his wife was to die that night, but, in reward of his kindness, God took the cow instead of the wife. I repaired the wall of the rich miser because a chest of gold was concealed near the place, and if the miser had repaired the wall he would have discovered the treasure. I said to the inhospitable synagogue, ‘May each member be president,’ because no one can serve two masters. I said to the hospitable synagogue, ‘May‘May you have but one president,’ because with one head there can be no divisions of counsel. Say not, therefore, to the Lord, ‘What doest Thou?’ but say in thy heart, ‘Must not the Lord of all the earth do right’”—The Talmud (“Trust in God”).
Hermite (Tristan l’) or “Tristan of the Hospital,” provost-marshal of France. He was the main instrument in carrying out the nefarious schemes of Louis XI, who used to call him his “gossip.” Tristan was a stout, middle-sized man, with a hang-dog visage and most repulsive smile.—Sir W. Scott, Quentin Durward and Anne of Geierstein (time, Edward IV.).
Hero, daughter of Leonāto, governor of Messi´na. She was of a quiet, serious disposition, and formed a good contrast to the gay, witty rattle-pate, called Beatrice, her cousin. Hero was about to be married to Lord Claudio, when Don John played on her a most infamous practical joke, out of malice. He bribed Hero’s waiting-woman to dress in Hero’s clothes, and to talk with him by moonlight from the chamber balcony; he then induced Claudio to hide himself in the garden, to overhear what was said. Claudio, thinking the person to be Hero, was furious, and next day at the altar rejected the bride with scorn. The priest, convinced of Hero’s innocence, gave out that she was dead, the servant confessed the trick, Don John took to flight, and Hero married Claudio, her betrothed.—Shakespeare, Much Ado about Nothing (1600).
Hero, [Sutton], niece of Sir William Sutton, and beloved by Sir Valentine de Grey. Hero “was fair as no eye ever fairer saw, of noble stature, head of antique mould, magnificent as far as may consist with softness, features full of thought and moods, wishes and fancies, and limbs the paragon of symmetry.” Having offended her lover by waltzing with Lord Athunree, she assumed the garb of a quakeress, called herself “Ruth,” and got introduced to Sir Valentine, who proposed marriage to her, and then discovered that Hero was Ruth and Ruth was Hero.—S. Knowles, Woman’s Wit, etc. (1838).
Hero and Leander (3 syl.). Hero, a priestess of Venus, fell in love with Leander, who swam across the Hellespont every night to visit her. One night he was drowned in so doing, and Hero in grief threw herself into the same sea.—Musæus, Leander and Hero.
Hero of Fable (The), the duc de Guise. Called by the French L’Hero de la Fable (1614-1664).
Hero of History (The), the duc d’Enghien, Prince of Condé. Called by the French L’Hero de l’Histoire. This was Le grand Condé (1621-1687).
Hero of Modern Italy, Garibaldi (1807-1882).
Herodias. Divorced wife of Herodius Philippus, afterward married to Herod Antipas, Mother of Salome and murderer of John the Baptist.
Her´on (Sir George), of Chip-chace, an officer with Sir John Foster.—Sir W. Scott, The Monastery (time, Elizabeth).
Heros´tratos or Erostratos, the Ephesian who set fire to the temple of Ephesus (one of the seven wonders of the world) merely to immortalize his name. The Ephesians made it penal even to mention his name.
Herrick. Overseer on a Virginia plantation, whose only daughter is burned to death trying to save a favorite horse of the man she loves hopelessly.—Amelia C. Rives-Chanler, Virginia of Virginia, (1888).
Herries (Lord), a friend of Queen Mary of Scotland, and attending on her at Dundrennan.—Sir W. Scott, The Abbott (time, Elizabeth).
Herschel (Sir F. Wm.) discovered the eighth planet, at first called the Georgium sidus, in honor of George III., and now called Saturn. In allusion to this, Campbell says he
Hertford (The marquis of), in the court of Charles II.—Sir W. Scott, Woodstock (time, Commonwealth).
Her Trippa, meant for Henry Cornelius Agrippa, of Nettesheim, philosopher and physician. “Her” is a contraction of He´ricus, and “Trippa” a play on the words Agrippa and tripe.—Rabelais, Pantag´ruel, iii. 25 (1545).
Herwig, king of Hel´igoland, betrothed to Gudrun, daughter of King Hettel (Attila). She was carried off by Hartmuth, king of Norway, and as she refused to marry him, was put to the most menial work. Herwig conveyed an army into Norway, utterly defeated Hartmuth, liberated Gudrun, and married her.—Gudrun, a German epic of the thirteenth century.
Her´zog (Duke), commander-in-chief of the ancient Teutons (Germans). The herzog was elected by the freemen of the tribe, but in times of war and danger, when several tribes united, the princes selected a leader, who was called also “herzog,” similiar to the Gaulish “brennus” or “bren,” and the Celtic “pendragon” or head chief.
Heskett (Ralph), landlord of the village ale-house where Robin Oig and Harry Wakefield fought.
Dame Heskett, Ralph’s wife.—Sir. W. Scott, The Two Drovers (time, George III.).
Hesper´ides (4 syl.) The Hesper´ian Field. The Hesperidês were the women who guarded the golden apples which Earth gave to Herê at her marriage with Zeus (Jove). They were assisted by the dragon Ladon. The Hesperian Fields are the orchards in which the golden apples grew. The Island is one of the Cape Verd Isles, in the Atlantic.
Hesperus, the knight called by Tennyson “Evening Star;” but called in the History of Prince Arthur, “the Green Knight” or Sir Pertolope (3 syl.). One of the four brothers who kept the passages of Castle Perilous.—Tennyson, Idylls (“Gareth and Lynette”); Sir T. Malory, History of Prince Arthur, i. 127 (1470).
⁂ It is a manifest blunder to call the Green Knight “Hesperus the Evening Star,” and the Blue Knight the “Morning Star.” The old romance makes the combat with the “Green Knight” at dawn, and with the “Blue Knight” at sunset. The error has arisen from not bearing in mind that our forefathers began the day with the preceding eve, and ended it at sunset.
Hetherford (Reuben), stupid suitor of Molly Wilder. He will not relinquish her, although assured that she is to marry another man, and when the news comes that her husband has been drowned, renews his suit, only to be again rejected.—Jane Goodwin Austin, A Nameless Nobleman (1881).
Hettly (May), an old servant of Davie Deans.—Sir W. Scott, Heart of Midlothian (time, George II.).
Heyward (Duncan). A major in the English army in America, sent to escort the Munro sisters to their father, and sharer in the perils incurred by them in their journey by stream and forest. He is beloved by both sisters and marries Alice.—James Fennimore Cooper, Last of the Mohicans.
Heukbane (Mrs.), the butcher’s wife at Fairport, and a friend of Mrs. Mailsetter.—Sir W. Scott, The Antiquary (time, George III.).
Hew, son of Lady Helen of “Merryland town” (Milan), enticed by an apple presented to him by a Jewish maiden, who then “stabbed him with a penknife, rolled the body in lead, and cast it into a well.” Lady Helen went in search of her child, and its ghost cried out from the bottom of the well:
Hewit (Godfrey Bertram), natural son of Mr. Godfrey Betram.—Sir W. Scott, Guy Mannering (time, George II.).
Hezekiah Grumbles, intended by nature for a farmer; intended by parents for a clergyman; makes a soldier of himself in the Civil War 1861-65.—William M. Baker, The Making of a Man (1881).
Hezekiah Bedott, easy-going, meek and slow-spoken husband of Priscilla Bedott. “Wonderful hand to moralize, specially after he begun to enjoy poor health.”—Frances Miriam Twitcher, The Widow Bedott Papers (1856).
Hiawa´tha, the prophet teacher, son of Mudjekee´wis (the west wind) and Weno´nah, daughter of Noko´mis. He represents the progress of civilization among the North American Indians. Hiawatha first wrestled with Monda´min (maize), and, having subdued it, gave it to man for food. He then taught man navigation; then he subdued Mishe Nah´ma (the sturgeon), and taught the Indians how to make oil therefrom for winter. His next exploit was against the magician Megissog´non, the author of disease and death; having slain this monster, he taught man the science of medicine. He then married Minneha´ha (laughing water), and taught man to be the husband of one wife, and the comforts of domestic peace. Lastly, he taught man picture-writing. When the white men came with the gospel, Hiawatha ascended to the kingdom of Pone´mah, the land of the hereafter.—Longfellow, Hiawatha.
Hiawatha’s Moc´casins. When Hiawatha put on his moccasins, he could measure a mile at a single stride.
Hiawatha’s Great Friends, Chibia´bos (the sweetest of all musicians) and Kwa´sind (the strongest of all mortals).—Longfellow, Hiawatha, vi.
Hick´athrift (Tom or Jack), a poor laborer in the time of the Conquest, of such enormous strength that he killed, with an axletree and cartwheel, a huge giant, who lived in a marsh at Tylney, in Norfolk. He was knighted, and made governor of Thanet. Hickathrift is sometimes called Hickafric.
When a man sits down to write a history, though it be but the history of Jack Hickathrift, ... he knows no more than his heels what lets ... he is to meet with in his way.—Sterne.
Hick´ory (Old), General Andrew Jackson. He was first called “Tough,” then “Tough as Hickory,Hickory,” and, lastly, “Old Hickory.” Another story is that in 1813, when engaged in war with the Creek Indians, he fell short of supplies, and fed his men on hickory nuts (1767-1845).
Hicks, short, slight young man ... with an air at once amiable and baddish, whose father sends him on a sea-voyage to cure him of drunkenness.—William Dean Howells, The Lady of the Aroostook (1879).
Hi´erocles (4 syl.), the first person who compiled jokes and bon mots. After a life-long labor, he got together twenty-one, which he left to the world as his legacy. Hence arose the phrase, An Hieroc´lean legacy, no legacy at all, or a legacy of empty promises, or a legacy of no worth.
One of his anecdotes is that of a man who wanted to sell his house, and carried about a brick to show as a specimen of it.
Hieron´imo, the chief character of Thomas Kyd’s drama in two parts, pt. i. being called Hieronimo, and pt. ii. The Spanish Tragedy, or Hieronimo is Mad Again. In the latter play, Horatio, only son of Hieronimo, sitting with Belimpe´ria in an alcove, is murdered by his rival, Balthazar, and the lady’s brother, Lorenzo. The murderers hang the dead body on a tree in the garden, and Hieronimo, aroused by the screams of Belimperia, rushing into the garden, sees the dead body of his son, and goes raving mad (1588).
Higden (Mrs. Betty), an old woman nearly four score, very poor, but hating the union-house more than she feared death. Betty Higden kept a mangle, and “minded young children” at four-pence a week. A poor workhouse lad named Sloppy helped her to turn the mangle. Mrs. Boffin wished to adopt Johnny, Betty’s infant grandchild, but he died in the Children’s Hospital.
She was one of those old women, was Mrs. Betty Higden, who, by dint of an indomitable purpose and a strong constitution, fight out many years; an active old woman, with a bright dark eye and a resolute face, yet quite a tender creature, too.—C. Dickens, Our Mutual Friend, i. 16 (1864).
Higg, “the son of Snell,” the lame witness at the trial of Rebecca.—Sir W. Scott, Ivanhoe (time, Richard I.).
Higgen, Prigg, Snapp, and Ferret, knavish beggars in The Beggar’s Bush, a drama by Beaumont and Fletcher (1622).
High and Low Heels, two factions in Lilliput. So called from the high and low heels of their shoes, badges of the two factions. The high heels (tories and the high-church party) were friendly to the ancient constitution of the empire, but the emperor employed the Low-heels (whigs and low-churchmen) as his ministers of state.—Swift, Gulliver’s Travels (“Lilliput,” 1726).
High Life Below Stairs, a farce by the Rev. James Townley. Mr. Lovel, a wealthy commoner, suspects his servants of “wasting his substance in riotous living;” so, pretending to go to his country seat in Devonshire, he assumes the character of a country bumpkin from Essex, and places himself under the charge of his own butler, to learn the duties of a gentleman servant. As the master is away, Philip (the butler) invites a large party to supper, and supplies them with the choicest wines. The servants all assume their masters’ titles, and address each other as “My lord duke,” “Sir Harry,” “My Lady Charlotte,” “My Lady Bab,” etc., and mimic the airs of their employers. In the midst of the banquet, Lovel appears in his true character, breaks up the party, and dismisses his household, retaining only one of the lot, named Tom, to whom he entrusts the charge of the silver and plate (1759).
Highland Mary, immortalized by Robert Burns, is generally thought to be Mary Campbell; but it seems more likely to be Mary Morison, “one of the poet’s youthful loves.” Probably the songs, Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary? Highland Mary, Mary Morison, and To Mary in Heaven, were all written on one and the same Mary, although some think Highland Mary and Mary in Heaven refer to Mary Campbell, who, we are told, was the poet’s first love.
Highwaymen (Noted).
Claude Duval (*-1670). Introduced in White Friars, by Miss Robinson.
James Whitney (1660-1594), aged 34.
Jonathan Wild of Wolverhampton (1682-1725), aged 43. Hero and title of a novel by Fielding (1744).
Jack Sheppard of Spitalfields (1701-1724), aged 24. Hero and title of a novel by Defoe (1724); and of one by H. Ainsworth (1839).
Dick Turpin, executed at York (1711-1739). Hero of a novel by H. Ainsworth.
Galloping Dick, executed at Aylesbury in 1800.
Captain Grant, the Irish highwayman, executed at Maryborough, in 1816.
Samuel Greenwood, executed at Old Bailey, 1822.
William Rea, executed at Old Bailey, 1828.
Hilda. Art student in Rome, beloved by Kenyon, another artist, and friend of Miriam. Hilda is the accidental witness of the homicide committed by Donatello, and the horror of the secret drives her almost mad.—Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun.
Hilda. Wife of Herluf, who has excited his father—the “Judge’s” wrath. The old man strikes his son while Hilda’s arms are about her husband, and Herluf, maddened, leaves home and wife for America. Letters from New York tell his father of his successes there, and he at last begs Hilda to bring him home. She obeys, and the two men embrace with tears.—Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen, A Child of the Age (1889).
Hilda’s Little Hood. Tale of a scarlet hood (with a pretty face within it) that won a man’s heart.—Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen’s Idylls of Norway (1882).
Hilarius (Brother), refectioner at St. Mary’s.—Sir W. Scott, The Monastery (time, Elizabeth).
Hildebrand, Pope Gregory VII. (1013, 1073-1085). He demanded for the Church the right of “investiture” or presentation to all ecclesiastical benefices, the superiority of the ecclesiastical to the temporal authority, enforced the celibacy of all clergymen, resisted simony, and greatly advanced the domination of the popes.