Chapter Ambrosian Chant to Amiel of A by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Ambrosian Chant to Amiel

Ambrosian Chant (The), or hymn called Ambrosianum, mentioned by Isidore, in his De Eccl. Offic., bk. i. chap. 6. It was a chant or hymn introduced into the Church of Milan in the fourth century, and now known as the Te Deum laudamus. It is said to have been the joint work of St. Ambrose and St. Augustine. The historic fact is disputed.

Ambrosio, the hero of Lewis’s romance The Monk. He is abbot of the Capuchins of Madrid, and is called “The man of holiness;” but Matilda overcame his virtue, and he goes on from bad to worse, till he is condemned to death by the Inquisition. He now bargains with Lucifer for release. He gains his bargain, it is true, but only to be dashed to pieces on a rock.

Amelia, a model of conjugal affection, in Fielding’s novel so called (1751). It is said that the character was modelled from his own wife. Dr. Johnson read this novel from beginning to end without once stopping.

Amelia is perhaps the only book of which, being printed off betimes one morning, a new edition was called for before night. The character of Amelia is the most pleasing heroine of all the romances.—Dr. Johnson.

(Lady Mary Wortley Montague tells us that Mr. and Mrs. Booth are faithful presentments of Mr. and Mrs. Fielding.)

Amelia, in Thomson’s Seasons, a beautiful, innocent young woman, overtaken by a storm while walking wi th her trothplight lover, Celadon, “with equal virtue formed, and equal grace. Hers the mild lustre of the blooming morn, and his the radiance of the risen day.” Amelia grew frightened, but Celadon said, “Tis safety to be near thee, sure;” when a flash of lightning struck her dead in his arms.—“Summer” (1727).

Amelia, in Schiller’s tragedy of The Robbers.

Or they will learn how generous worth sublimes
The robber Moor, and pleads for all his crimes;
How poor Amelia kissed with many a tear
His hand, blood-stained, but ever, ever dear.
   —Campbell: Pleasures of Hope, ii. (1799).

Amelia Sedley, “a dear little creature,” in love with George Osborne, in Thackeray’s novel of Vanity Fair.

Amelot, the page of sir Damian de Lacy.—Sir W. Scott: The Betrothed (time, Henry II.).

America. Names of the United States, whence derived—

Alabama, an Indian word, meaning “Here we rest.’ So named in 1817, from the chief river.

Annapolis (Maryland), so named from queen Anne, in whose reign it was constituted the seat of local government.

Astoria (Oregon), so called from Mr. Astor, merchant, of New York, who founded here a fur-trading station in 1811. The adventure of this merchant forms the subject of Washington Irving’s Astoria.

Baltimore, in Maryland, is so called from lord Baltimore, who led a colony to that state in 1634.

Boston (Massachusetts), so called from Boston in Lincolnshire, whence many of the original founders emigrated.

Carolina (North and South), named originally from Charles IX. of France; but Charles II. granted the whole country to eight needy courtiers.