Chapter Rudiger to Russet of R by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Rudiger to Russet

Rudiger, a wealthy Hun, liegeman of Etzel, sent to conduct Kriemhild to Hungary. When Günther and his suite went to visit Kriemhild, Rudiger entertained them all most hospitably, and gave his daughter in marriage to Giselher (Kriemhild’s brother). In the broil which ensued, Rudiger was killed fighting against Gernot, but Gernot dropped down dead at the same moment, “each by the other slain.”—Nibelungen Lied (by the minnesingers, 1210).

Rudiger, a knight who came to Waldhurst in a boat drawn by a swan. Margaret fell in love with him. At every tournament he bore off the prize, and in everything excelled the youths about him. Margaret became his wife. A child was born. On the christening day, Rudiger carried it along the banks of the Rhine, and nothing that Margaret said could prevail on him to go home. Presently, the swan and boat came in sight, and carried all three to a desolate place, where was a deep cavern. Rudiger got on shore, still holding the babe, and Margaret followed. They reached the cave, two giant arms clasped Rudiger, Margaret sprang forward and seized the infant, but Rudiger was never seen more.—Southey: Rudiger (a ballad from Thomas Heywood’s notes).

Ruffians’ Hall. West Smithfield was for many years so called, because of its being the usual rendezvous for duellists, pugilists, and other “ruffians.”

Rufus (or the Red), William II. of England (1056, 1087–1100).

Rugby, the servant of Dr. Caius.—Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor (1598-9).

Rugg (Mr.), a lawyer living at Pentonville. A red-haired man, who wore a hat with a high crown and narrow brim. Mr. Pancks employed him to settle the business pertaining to the estate which had long lain unclaimed, to which Mr. Dorrit was heir-at-law. Mr. Rugg delighted in legal difficulties as much as a housewife in her jams and preserves.—Dickens: Little Dorrit (1857).

Ruggiero, a young Saracen knight, born of Christian parents. He fell in love with Bradamant (sister of Rinaldo), whom he ultimately married. Ruggiero is especially noted for possessing a hippogriff or winged horse, and a shield of such dazzling splendour that it blinded those who looked on it. He threw away this shield into a well, because it enabled him to win victory too cheaply.—Orlando Innamorato (1495), and Orlando Furioso (1516).

Rukenaw (Dame), the ape’s wife, in the beast-epic called Reynard the Fox (1498).

Rule a Wife and Have a Wife, a comedy by Beaumont and Fletcher (1640). Donna Margaritta, a lady of great wealth, wishes to marry in order to mask her intrigues, and seeks for husband a man without spirit, whom she can mould to her will. Leon, the brother of Altea, is selected as the “softest fool in Spain,” and the marriage takes place. After marriage, Leon shows himself firm, courageous, high-minded, but most affectionate. He “rules his wife” and her household with a masterly hand, wins the respect of every one, and the wife, wholly reclaimed, “loves, honours, and obeys” him.

(Beaumont died 1616.)

“Rule Britannia.” This song is in the masque of Alfred, by James Thomson (1740); afterwards dramatized by Mallet (1751).

Rulers of the World (Infants). Themistocles said his infant son Diophantos ruled his mother, his mother ruled him (Themistocles), he (Themistocles) ruled Athens, and Athens ruled the world.

Diophantus, Themistocles his sonne, would often …say…whatsoever he should seeme to require of the Athenians he should be sure to obteine, for, saithe he, “Whatsoever I will, that wil my mother; and what my mother saith, that my father sootheth; and what my father desireth, that the Athenians wil grant most willingly.”—Lyly: Euphues (1579).