Chapter Water of Jealousy to Wealthy of W by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Ovid, the Latin poet, is credited with a similar anecdote—

Parce, precor, genitor, poshac non versificabo.

Wauch (Mansie), fictitious name of D. M. Moir, author of The Life of Mansie Wauch, Tailor in Dalkeith, written by himself (1828).

Waverley, the first of Scott’s historical novels, published in 1814. The materials are Highland feudalism, military bravery, and description of natural scenery. There is a fine vein of humour, and a union of fiction with history. The chief characters are Charles Edward the Chevalier, the noble old baron of Bradwardine, the simple faithful clansman Evan Dhu, and the poor fool Davie Gellatley with his fragments of song and scattered gleams of fancy.

Scott did not prefix his name to Waverley, being afraid that it might compromise his poetical reputation—Chambers: English Literature, ii. 586.

Waverley (Captain Edward) of Waverley Honour, and hero of the novel called by his name. Being gored by a stag, he resigned his commission, and proposed marriage to Flora M’Ivor, but was not accepted. Fergus M’Ivor (Flora’s brother) introduced him to prince Charles Edward. He entered the service of the Young Chevalier, and in the battle of Preston Pans saved the life of colonel Talbot. The colonel, out of gratitude, obtained the pardon of young Waverley, who then married Rose Bradwardine, and settled down quietly in Waverley Honour. Mr. Richard Waverley, the captain’s father, of Waverley Honour.

Sir Everard Waverley, the captain’s uncle.

Mistress Rachel Waverley, sister of sir Everard.—Sir W. Scott: Waverley (time, George II.).

Waverley Novels (The). All the novels of sir Walter Scott are included under this term; but not the three tales called Aunt Margaret’s Mirror, The Laird’s Jock, and The Tapestried Chamber.

Wax (A lad o’), a spruce young man, like a model in wax. Lucretius speaks of persona cerea, and Horace of the waxen arms of Telephus, meaning beautiful in shape and colour.

A man, young lady! Lady, such a man
As all the world—Why, he’s a man o’ wax.
   —Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (1595).

Way of the World (The), a comedy by W. Congreve (1700). The “way of the world” is to tie up settlements to wives, to prevent their husbands squandering their wives’ fortunes. Thus, Fainall wanted to get into his power the fortune of his wife, whom he hated, but found it was “in trust to Edward Mirabell,” and consequently could not be tampered with.

Way to Keep Him (The), a comedy by Murphy (1760). The object of this drama is to show that women, after marriage, should not wholly neglect their husbands, but should try to please them, and make home agreeable and attractive, The chief persons are Mr. and Mrs. Lovemore. Mr. Lovemore has a virtuous and excellent wife, whom he esteems and loves; but, finding his home insufferably dull, he seeks amusement abroad; and those passions which have no play at home lead him to intrigue and cardplaying, routs and dubious society. The under-plot is this: Sir Bashful Constant is a mere imitator of Mr. Lovemore, and lady Constant suffers neglect from her husband and insult from his friends, because he foolishly thinks it is not comme il faut to love after he has married the woman of his choice.

Ways and Means, a comedy by Colman the younger (1788). Random and Scruple meet at Calais two young ladies, Harriet and Kitty, daughters of sir David Dunder, and fall in love with them. They come to Dover, and accidentally meet sir David, who invites them over to Dunder Hall, where they are introduced to the two young ladies. Harriet is to be married next day, against her will, to lord Snolts, a stumpy, “gummy” nobleman of five and forty; and, to avoid this hateful match, she and her sister agree to elope at night