Chapter Iron Tooth to Isabell of I by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Iron Tooth to Isabell

Iron Tooth, Frederick II. elector of Brandenburg (Dent de Fer), (1657, 1688– 1713).

Ironside (Sir), called “The Red Knight of the Red Lands.” Sir Gareth, after fighting with him from dawn to dewy eve, subdued him. Tennyson calls him Death, and says that Gareth won the victory with a single stroke. Sir Ironside was the knight who kept the lady Lionês (called by Tennyson “Lyonors”) captive in Castle Perilous.—Sir T. Malory: History of Prince Arthur, i. 134–137 (1470).

N.B.—Tennyson seems very greatly to have misconceived the exquisite allegory of Gareth and Linet. He has not only changed the names into Lyonors and Linette, but, by beginning the day in the modern manner, and not on the eve before, he has greatly marred the allegory. (See Gareth, pp. 405, 406.)

Ironside. Edmund II. king of the Anglo-Saxons was so called from his iron armour (989, 1016–1017). Sir Richard Steele signed himself “Nestor Ironside” in the Guardian (1671–1729).

Ironsides. So were the soldiers of Cromwell called, especially after the battle of Marston Moor, where they displayed their iron resolution (1644).

Ironsides (Captain), uncle of Belfield (Brothers), and an old friend of sir Benjamin Dove. He is captain of a privateer, and a fine specimen of an English naval officer.

He’s true English oak to the heart of him, and a fine old seaman-like figure he is.—Cumberland: The Brothers, i. I (1769).

Irrefragable Doctor (The), Alexander Hales, founder of the Scholastic theology (*-1245).

Irtish (To cross the ferry of the), to be “laid on the shelf.” The ferry of the Irtish is crossed by those who are exiled to Siberia. It is regarded in Russia as the ferry of political death.

Irus, the beggar of Ithaca, who ran on errands for Penelopê’s suitors. When Ulyssês returned home dressed as a beggar, Irus withstood him, and Ulyssês broke his jaw with a blow. So poor was Irus that he gave birth to the proverbs, “As poor as Irus,” and “Poorer than Irus” (in French, Plus pauvre qu’ Irus).

Without respect esteeming equally King Cresus’ pompe and Irus’ povertie.
   —Sackville: A Mirrour for Magistraytes (Induction, 1587).

Irus grows rich, and Cresus must wax poor.
   —Lord Brooke: Treatie of Warres (1554–1628).

Irwin (Mr.), the husband of lady Eleanor daughter of lord Norland. His lordship discarded her for marrying against his will, and Irwin was reduced to the verge of starvation. In his desperation Irwin robbed his father-in-law on the high-road, but relented and returned the money. At length the iron heart of lord Norland was softened, and he relieved the necessities of his son-in-law.

Lady Eleanor Irwin, wife of Mr. Irwin. She retains her love for lord Norland, even through all his relentlessness, and when she hears that he has adopted a son, exclaims, “May the young man deserve his love better than I have done! May he be a comfort to his declining years, and never disobey him!”—Inchbald: Every One has His Fault (1794).

Irwin (Hannah), former confidante of Clara Mowbray.—Sir W. Scott: St. Ronan’s Well (time, George III.).

Isaac [Mendoza], a rich Portuguese Jew, short in stature, with a snub nose, swarthy skin, and huge beard; very conceited, priding himself on his cunning, loving to dupe others, but woefully duped himself. He chuckles to himself, “I’m cunning, I fancy; a very cunning dog, ain’t I? a sly little villain, eh? a bit roguish; he must be very wide awake who can take Isaac in.” This conceited piece of goods is always duped by every one he encounters. He meets Louisa, whom he intends to make his wife, but she makes him believe she is Clara Guzman. He meets his rival Antonio, whom he sends to the supposed Clara,