Her´zog (Duke), commander-in-chief of the ancient Teutons (Germans). The herzog was elected by the freemen of the tribe, but in times of war and danger, when several tribes united, the princes selected a leader, who was called also “herzog,” similiar to the Gaulish “brennus” or “bren,” and the Celtic “pendragon” or head chief.
Heskett (Ralph), landlord of the village ale-house where Robin Oig and Harry Wakefield fought.
Dame Heskett, Ralph’s wife.—Sir. W. Scott, The Two Drovers (time, George III.).
Hesper´ides (4 syl.) The Hesper´ian Field. The Hesperidês were the women who guarded the golden apples which Earth gave to Herê at her marriage with Zeus (Jove). They were assisted by the dragon Ladon. The Hesperian Fields are the orchards in which the golden apples grew. The Island is one of the Cape Verd Isles, in the Atlantic.
Hesperus, the knight called by Tennyson “Evening Star;” but called in the History of Prince Arthur, “the Green Knight” or Sir Pertolope (3 syl.). One of the four brothers who kept the passages of Castle Perilous.—Tennyson, Idylls (“Gareth and Lynette”); Sir T. Malory, History of Prince Arthur, i. 127 (1470).
⁂ It is a manifest blunder to call the Green Knight “Hesperus the Evening Star,” and the Blue Knight the “Morning Star.” The old romance makes the combat with the “Green Knight” at dawn, and with the “Blue Knight” at sunset. The error has arisen from not bearing in mind that our forefathers began the day with the preceding eve, and ended it at sunset.
Hetherford (Reuben), stupid suitor of Molly Wilder. He will not relinquish her, although assured that she is to marry another man, and when the news comes that her husband has been drowned, renews his suit, only to be again rejected.—Jane Goodwin Austin, A Nameless Nobleman (1881).
Hettly (May), an old servant of Davie Deans.—Sir W. Scott, Heart of Midlothian (time, George II.).
Heyward (Duncan). A major in the English army in America, sent to escort the Munro sisters to their father, and sharer in the perils incurred by them in their journey by stream and forest. He is beloved by both sisters and marries Alice.—James Fennimore Cooper, Last of the Mohicans.
Heukbane (Mrs.), the butcher’s wife at Fairport, and a friend of Mrs. Mailsetter.—Sir W. Scott, The Antiquary (time, George III.).