Douban, the physician, cured a Greek king of leprosy by some drug concealed in a racket handle. The king gave Douban such great rewards that the envy of his nobles was excited, and his vizier suggested that a man like Douban was very dangerous to be near the throne. The fears of the weak king being aroused, he ordered Douban to be put to death. When the physician saw there was no remedy, he gave the king a book, saying, "On the sixth leaf the king will find something affecting his life." The king finding the leaves stick, moistened his finger with his mouth, and by so doing poisoned himself. "Tyrant!" exclaimed Douban, "those who abuse their power merit death."—Arabian Nights ("The Greek King and the Physician").
Douban, physician of the emperor Alexius.—Sir W. Scott, Count Robert of Paris (time Rufus).
Double Dealer, (The) "The double dealer" is Maskwell, who pretends love to lady Touchwood and friendship to Mellefont (2. syl.), in order to betray them both. The other characters of the comedy also deal doubly: Thus Lady Froth pretends to love her husband, but coquets with Mr. Brisk; and Lady Pliant pretends to be chaste as Diana, but has a liaison with Careless. On the other hand Brisk pretends to entertain friendship for Lord Froth but makes love to his wife; and Ned Careless pretends to respect and honor Lord Pliant, but bamboozles him in a similar way.—W. Congreve (1700).
Doublefee (Old Jacob), a money-lender who accommodates the Duke of Buckingham with loans.—Sir W. Scott, Peveril of the Peak (time, Charles II).
Doubting Castle, the castle of giant Despair, into which Christian and Hopeful were thrust, but from which they escaped by means of the key called "Promise."—Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress, i. (1678).
Dougal, turnkey at Glasgow, Tolbooth. He is an adherent of Rob Roy.—Sir W. Scott, Rob Roy (time, George I.).
Douglas, divided into The Black Douglases and The Red Douglases.
I. THE BLACK DOUGLASES (or senior branch). Each of these is called "The Black Douglas."
The Hardy, William de Douglas, defender of Berwick (died 1302).
The Good Sir James, eldest son of "The Hardy." Friend of Bruce. Killed by the Moors in Spain (1330).