Zeli´ca, the betrothed of Azim. When it was rumored that he had been slain in battle, Zelĭca joined the harem of the Veiled Prophet as “one of the elect of paradise.” Azim returned from the wars, discovered her retreat, and advised her to flee with him, but she told him that she was now the prophet’s bride. After the death of the prophet Zelica assumed his veil, and Azim, thinking the veiled figure to be the prophet, rushed on her and killed her.--T. Moore, Lalla Rookh (“The Veiled Prophet,” etc., 1817).
Zelis, the daughter of a Persian officer. She was engaged to a man in the middle age of life, but just prior to the wedding he forsook her for a richer bride. The father of Zelis challenged him, but was killed. Zelis now took lodging with a courtezan, and went with her to Italy; but when she discovered the evil courses of her companion she determined to become a nun, and started by water for Rome. She was taken captive by corsairs, and sold from master to master, till at length Hingpo rescued her, and made her his wife.--Goldsmith, A Citizen of the World (1759).
Zelma´ne (3 syl.), the assumed name of Pyr´oclês, when he put on female attire.--Sir Philip Sidney, Arcadia (1590).
Sir Philip has preserved such a matchless decorum that Pyroclês’ manhood suffers no stain for the effeminacy of Zelmanê.--C. Lamb.
Zelu´co, the only son of a noble Sicilian family, accomplished and fascinating, but spoilt by maternal indulgence, and at length rioting in dissipation. In spite of his gayety of manner, he is a standing testimony that misery accompanies vice.--Dr. John Moore, Zeluco (a novel, 1786).
Ze´mia, one of the four who, next in authority to U´riel, preside over our earth.--Klopstock, The Messiah, iii. (1748).
Zemzem, a fountain at Mecca. The Mohammedans say it is the very spring which God made to slake the thirst of Ishmael, when Hagar was driven into the wilderness by Abraham. A bottle of this water is considered a very valuable present, even by princes.
There were also a great many bottles of water from the fountain of Zemzem, at Mecca.--Arabian Nights (“The Purveyor’s Story”).
Zenel´ophon, the beggar-girl who married King Cophet´ua of Africa. She is more generally called Penel´ophon.--Tennyson, King Cophetua and the Beggar-maid.
Zenobia, queen of Palmyra, who claimed the title of “Queen of the East.” She was defeated by Aurelian and taken prisoner in A.D. 273.