Wallenrode (The earl of), an Hungarian crusader.--Sir W. Scott, The Talisman (time, Richard I.).
Wallenstein (Max), German baron and general, eminent in the Thirty Years’ War. He was assassinated in 1634 by order of Ferdinand II. of Germany.--Schiller, Wallenstein (1799).
Waller, in love with Lydia, lady’s-maid to Widow Green. His love at first was not honorable, because his aristocratic pride revolted at the inferior social position of Lydia; but when he knew her real worth, he loved her, proposed marriage, and found that she was the sister of Trueworth, who had taken service to avoid an obnoxious marriage.--S. Knowles, The Love-Chase (1837).
Waller’s Plot, a plot organized in 1643 by Waller, the poet, against the parliamentary party. The object was to secure the king’s children, to seize the most eminent of the parliamentarians, to capture the Tower, and resist all taxes imposed for the support of the parliamentary army.
Walley (Richard), the regicide, whose story is told by Major Bridgenorth (a roundhead) at his dinner-table.--Sir W. Scott, Peveril of the Peak (time, Charles II.).
Walnut Web. When the three princes of a certain king were sent to find out “a web of cloth which would pass through the eye of a fine needle,” the White Cat furnished the youngest of the three with one spun by the cats of her palace.
The prince ... took out of his box a walnut, which he cracked ... and saw a small hazel nut, which he cracked also ... and found therein a kernel of wax.... In this kernel of wax was hidden a single grain of wheat, and in the grain a small millet seed.... On opening the millet, he drew out a web of cloth 400 yards long, and in it was woven all sorts of birds, beasts, and fishes; fruits and flowers; the sun, moon, and stars; the portraits of kings and queens, and many other wonderful designs.--Comtesse D’Aunoy, Fairy Tales (“The White Cat,” 1682).
Walpurgis, saint who converted the Saxons to Christianity.
Walpurgis Night. May 1, when witches dance upon the Brocken in the Hartz Mountains.
Walsingham, the affianced of Helen Mowbray. Deceived by appearances, he believed that Helen was the mistress of Lord Athunree, and abandoned her; but when he discovered his mistake he married her.--S. Knowles, Woman’s Wit, etc. (1838).