Chapter DEVIL to Dhu'l Karnein of D by Brewer's Readers Handbook

love you well. This night, for the grace of God, keep lights burning at the convent windows from midnight to daybreak, and let masses be said by the holy sisterhood.” At sundown came the devil with piokaxe and spade, mattock and shovel, and set to work in right good earnest to dig a dyke which should let the waters of the sea into the downs. “Fire and brimstone!” he exclaimed, as a sound of voices rose and fell in sacred song—“Fire and brimstone! What’s the matter with me?” Shoulders, feet, wrists, loins, all seemed paralyzed. Down went mattock and spade, pickaxe and shovel, and just at that moment the lights at the convent windows burst forth, and the cock, mistaking the blaze for daybreak, began to crow most lustily. Off flew the devil, and never again returned to complete his work. The small digging he effected still remains in witness of the truth of this legend of the “Devil’s Dyke.”

Devil’s Frying-Pan (The), a Cornish mine worked by the ancient Romans. According to a very primitive notion, precious stones are produced from condensed dew hardened by the sun. This mine was the frying-pan where the dew was thus converted and hardened.

Devil’s Kettle (The), one of the Icelandic geysers, about fifty paces from the great geyser. It is provoked by throwing into the opening clods of grass, when it belches forth a magnificent column of boiling water, very dangerous to bystanders.

Devil’s Parliament (The), the parliament assembled by Henry VI. at Coventry, in 1459. So called because it passed attainders on the duke of York and his chief supporters.

Devil’s Throat (The). Cromer Bay is so called, because it is so dangerous to navigation.

Devil’s Wall (The), the wall separating England from Scotland. So called from its great durability.

Devon.

On Granby’s Cheek might bid new glories rise,
And point a purer beam from Devon’s eyes.
   —Sheridan’s “Portrait”—addressed to Mrs. Crewe.

Mary Isabella marchioness of Granby, and Georgina duchess of Devonshire, two reigning beauties of their time. Of the latter the anecdote is told of a dustman, who cried out, “Lord love you, my lady! let me light my pipe at your eyes.” Sheridan refers to the brilliancy of her eyes.

Devonshire, according to historic fable, is a corruption of “Debon’s-share.” This Debon was one of the companions of Bute, a descendant of Æneas. He chased the giant Coulin till he came to a pit eight leagues across. Trying to leap this chasm, the giant fell backwards and lost his life.

… that ample pit, yet far renowned
For the great leap which Debon did compel
Coulin to make, being eight lugs of ground,
Into the which retourning back he fell …
And Debon’s share was that is Devonshire.
   —Spenser: Faërie Queene, ii. 10 (1590).

Devorgoil (Lady Jane), a friend of the Hazelwood family.—Sir W. Scott: Guy Mannering (time, George II.).

Dewlap (Dick), an anecdote-teller, whose success depended more upon his physiognomy than his wit. His chin and his paunch were his most telling points.

I found that the merit of his wit was founded upon the shaking of a fat paunch, and the tossing up of a pair of rosy jowls.—R. Steele.

Dhu (Evan), of Lochiel, a Highland chief, in the army of Montrose.

Mhich-Connel Dhu, or M’Ilduy, a Highland chief, in the army of Montrose.—Sir W. Scott: Legend of Montrose (time, Charles I.).