The “Thrashers” of Connaught, the “Carders,” the followers of “Captain Right,” in the eighteenth century, those of “Captain Rock,” who appeared in 1822, and the “Fenians,” in 1865, were similar disturbers of the peace.
Tesoretto (“The Little Treasure,”) an Italian poem by Brunetto Latini, preceptor of Dantê (1285). The poem is one of the landmarks in the development of the Italian language. The poet says he was returning from an embassy to the king of Spain, and met a scholar who told him of the overthrow of the Guelfi. Struck with grief, he lost his road, and wandered into a wood, where Dame Nature accosted him, and disclosed to him the secrets of her works. On he wandered till he came to a vast plain, inhabited by Virtue and her four daughters, together with Courtesy, Bounty, Loyalty, and Prowess. Leaving this, he came to a fertile valley, which was for ever shifting its appearance, from round to square, from light to darkness. This was the valley of Queen Pleasure, who was attended by Love, Hope, Fear, and Desire. Ovid comes to the poet at length and tells him how to effect his escape. Dantê meets Brunetto Latini in Hell, and praises his poem.
Tes´sira, one of the leaders of the Moorish host.--Ariosto, Orlando Furioso (1516).
Tests of Chastity. Alasnam’s mirror; the brawn or boar’s head; drinking-horns (see Arthur’s Drinking-Horn; Sir Cradock and the Drinking-Horn); Florimel’s girdle; grotto of Ephesus; the test mantle; oath on St. Antony’s arm was held in supreme reverence because it was believed that whoever took the oath falsely would be consumed by “St. Antony’s fire” within the current year; the trial of the sieve.
Tests of Fidelity. Canacê’s mirror; Gondibert’s emerald ring. The corsned or “cursed mouthful,” a piece of bread consecrated by exorcism, and given to the “suspect” to swallow as a test. “May this morsel choke me if I am guilty,” said the defendant, “but turn to wholesome nourishment if I am innocent.” Ordeals, combats between plaintiff and defendant, or their representatives.
Tête Bottée, Philippe de Commines [Cum.min], politician and historian (1445-1509).
You, Sir Philippe des Comines [sic] were at a
hunting-match with the duke, your master; and
when he alighted, after the chase, he required
your services in drawing off his boots. Reading