Chapter Clatho to Clement of C by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Clatho to Clement

Clatho, the last wife of Fingal and mother of Fillan, Fingal’s youngest son.

Claude (The English), Richard Wilson (1714–1782).

Claudine , wife of the porter of the hotel Harancour, and old nurse of Julio “the deaf and dumb” count. She recognizes the lad, who had been rescued by De l’Epêe from the streets of Paris, and brought up by him under the name of Theodore. Ultimately, the guardian Darlemont confesses that he had sent him adrift under the hope of getting rid of him; but being proved to be the count, he is restored to his rank and property.—Holcroft: The Deaf and Dumb (1785).

Claudio (Lord) of Florence, a friend of don Pedro prince of Aragon, and engaged to Hero (daughter of Leonato governor of Messñna).—Shakespeare: Much Ado about Nothing (1600).

Claudio, brother of Isabella and the suitor of Juliet. He is imprisoned by lord Angelo for the seduction of Juliet, and his sister Isabella pleads for his release.—Shakespeare: Measure for Measure (1603).

Claudius, king of Denmark, who poisoned his brother, married the widow, and usurped the throne. Claudius induced Laertês to challenge Hamlet to play with foils, but persuaded him to poison his weapon. In the combat the foils got changed, and Hamlet wounded Laertês with the poisoned weapon. In order still further to secure the death of Hamlet, Claudius had a cup of poisoned wine prepared, which he intended to give Hamlet when he grew thirsty with playing. The queen, drinking of this cup, died of poison; and Hamlet, rushing on Claudius, stabbed him and cried alond, “Here, thou incestuous, murderous Dane, …Follow my mother!”—Shakespeare; Hamlet (1596).

(In the History of Hamblet, Claudius is called “Fengon,” a far better name for a Dane.)

Claudius, the instrument of Appius the decemvir for entrapping Virginia. He pretended that Virginia was his slave, who had been stolen from him and sold to Virginius.—Knowles: Virginius (1820).

Claudius (Mathias), a German poet born at Rheinfeld, and author of the famous song called Rheinweinlied (“Rhenish wine-song”), sung at all convivial feasts of the Germans.

Claudius, though he sang of flagons, And huge tankards filled with Rhenish. From the fiery blood of dragons Never would his own replenish.
   —Longfellow: Drinking Song.

Claus (Peter). (See under K.)

Claus or Klaus (Santa), a familiar name for St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. On Christmas Eve German children have presents stowed away in their socks and shoes while they are asleep, and the little credulous ones suppose that Santa Claus or Klaus placed them there.

St. Nicholas is said to have supplied three destitute maidens with marriage portions by secretly leaving money with their widowed mother; and as his day occurs just before Christmas, he was selected for the gift-giver on Christmas Eve.—Yonge.

Claverhouse , John Graham of Claverhouse (viscount Dundee), a relentless Jacobite, so rapacious and profane, so violent in temper and obdurate of heart, that every Scotchman hates the name. He hunted the covenanters with real vindictiveness, and is almost a byword for barbarity and cruelty (1650–1689).

Claverhouse, or the marquis of Argyll, a kinsman of Ravenswood, introduced by sir W. Scott in The Bride of Lammermcor (time, William III.).

Clavijo (Don), a cavalier who “could touch the guitar to admiration, write poetr y, dance divinely, and had a fine genius for making bird-cages.” He married the princess Antonomasia of Candaya, and was metamorphosed by Malambruno into a crocodile of some unknown metal. Don Quixote disenchanted him “by simply attempting the adventure.”—Cervantes: Don Quixote, II. iii. 4, 5 (1615).