Chapter Bion to Bishops of B by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Birtha, the motherless daughter and only child of Astragon the Lombard philosopher. In spring she gathered blossoms for her father’s still, in autumn berries, and in summer flowers. She fell in love with duke Gondibert, whose wounds she assisted her father to heal. Birtha, “in love unpractised and unread,” is the beau-ideal of innocence and purity of mind. Gondibert had just plighted his love to her when he was summoned to court, for king Aribert had proclaimed him his successor and future son-in-law. Gondibert assured Birtha he would remain true to her, and gave her an emerald ring which he told her would lose its lustre if he proved untrue. Here the tale breaks off, and as it was never finished the sequel is not known.—Sir W. Davenant: Gondibert (an heroic poem, 1651).

Bise, a wind prevalent in those valleys of Savoy which open to the sea. It especially affects the nervous system.

Biserta, formerly called Utica, in Africa. The Saracens passed from Biserta to Spain, and Charlemagne in 800 undertook a war against the Spanish Saracens. The Spanish historians assert that he was routed at Fontarabia (a strong town in Biscay); but the French maintain that he was victorious, although they allow that the rear of his army was cut to pieces.

Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore,
When Charlemain with all his peerage fell
By Fountarabia.
   —Milton: Paradise Lost, i. 585 (1665).

Bishop. Burnt milk is called by Tusser “milk that the bishop doth ban.” Tyndale says when milk or porridge is burnt “we saye the bishope hath put his fote in the potte,” and explains it thus, “the bishopes burn whom they lust.”

Bishops. The seven who refused to read the declaration of indulgence published by James II. and were by him imprisoned for recusancy, were archbishop Sancroft (Canterbury), bishops Lloyd (St. Asaph), Turner (Ely), Kew (Bath and Wells), White (Peterborough), Lake (Chichester), Trelawney (Bristol). Being tried, they were all acquitted (June, 1688).