nlimited knowledge
(1630-1721).

DIDDLER (_Jeremy_), an artful swindler; a clever, seedy vagabond, who
borrows money or obtains credit by his songs, witticisms, or other
expedients.--Kenny, _Raising the Wind_.

DIDERICK, the German form of Theodorick, king of the Goths. As Arthur
is the centre of British romance, and Charlemagne of French romance,
so Diderick is the central figure of the German minnesingers. DIDIER
(_Henri_), the lover of Julie Les-urques (2 _syl_.); a gentleman in
feeling and conduct, who remains loyal to his _fiancee_ through all
her troubles.--Ed. Stirling, _The Courier of Lyons_ (1852).

DIDO, _daughter of Belus, king of Tyre_. She bought "as much land in
Africa as a bull's hide could cover," shred the hide into strings, and
enclosed a large tract. AEneas was wrecked upon her coast, and a love
affair ensued. He deserted her, and she killed herself after watching
his ship until it was out of sight.

DIE'GO, the sexton to Lopez the "Spanish curate."--Beaumont and
Fletcher, _The Spanish Curate_ (1622).

_Die'go (Don)_, a man of 60, who saw a country maiden named Leonora,
whom he liked, and intended to marry if her temper was as amiable as
her face was pretty. He obtained leave of her parents to bring her
home and place her under a duenna for three months, and then either
return her to them spotless, or to make her his wife. At the
expiration of the time, he went to settle the marriage contract; and,
to make all things sure, locked up the house, giving the keys to
Ursula, but to the outer door he attached a huge padlock, and put the
key in his pocket. Leander, being in love with Leonora, laughed at
locksmiths and duennas, and Diego (2 _syl_.), found them about to
elope. Being a wise man, he not only consented to their union, but
gave Leonora a handsome marriage portion.--I. Bickerstaff, _The
Padlock._

DIES IRAE. The name generally given from the opening words to a
mediaeval hymn on the Last Judgment. The author is unknown, but the
hymn is now generally ascribed to a monk of the Abruzzi, in Naples,
Thomas de Celano, who died about 1255.

Dies irae, dies ilia
Sol vet sseclum in favilla
Teste David cum Sibylla.

That Day of Wrath, that dreadful day
When Heaven and Earth shall pass away,
So David and the Sibyl say.

DIET OF PERFORMERS.

BEAHAM sang on _bottled porter_.

CATLEY _(Miss)_ took _linseed tea and madeira._

COOKE _(G.F.)_ drank everything.

HENDEESON, _gum arable