Chapter MacFlecknoe to Macrobii of M by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Machiavelli (Niccolo dei), of Florence, author of a book called The Prince, the object of which is to show that all is fair in diplomacy, as well as in “love and war” (1469–1527).

Machiavellism, political cunning and duplicity, the art of tricking and overreaching by diplomacy.

N.B.—Tiberius, the Roman emperor, is called “The Imperial Machiavelli” (B. C. 42 to A. D. 37). Louis XI. used to say, “He who knows not how to gammon knows not how to govern.”

MacIan (Gilchrist), father of Ian Eachin M’Ian.

Ian Eachin (or Hector) M’Ian, called Conachar, chief of the clan Quhele, son of Gilchrist M’Ian. Hector is old Glover’s Highland apprentice, and casts himself down a precipice, because Catharine Glover loves Henry Smith better than himself.—Sir W. Scott: Fair Maid of Perth (time, Henry IV.).

MacIlduy, or Mhich Connel Dhu, a Highland chief in the army of Montrose.—Sir W. Scott: Legend of Montrose (time, Charles I.).

MacIntyre (Maria), niece of Mr. Jonathan Oldbuck “the antiquary.” Captain Hector MIntyre, nephew of Mr. Jonathan Oldbuck, and brother of Maria M’Intyre.—Sir W. Scott: The Antiquary (time, George III.).

MacIvor (Fergus), or “Vich Ian Vohr,” chief of Glennaquoich. He is executed.

Flora M’Ivor, sister of Fergus, and the heroine of Waverley.—Sir W. Scott: Waverley (time, George II.).

Mackitchinson, landlord at the Queen’s Ferry inn.—Sir W. Scott: The Antiquary (time, George III.).

Macklin. The real name of this great actor was Charles MacLaughlin; but he dropped the middle syllable when he came to England (1690–1797).

Macklin (Sir), a priest who preached to Tom and Bob and Billy, on the sinfulness of walking on Sundays. At his “sixthly” he said, “Ha, ha, I see you raise your hands in agony!” They certainly had raised their hands, for they were yawning. At his “twenty-firstly” he cried, “Ho, ho, I see you bow your heads in heartfelt sorrow!” Truly they bowed their heads, for they were sleeping. Still on he preached and thumped his hat, when the bishop, passing by, cried, “Bosh!” and walked him off.—Gilbert: The Bab Ballads (“Sir Macklin”).

Maclean (Sir Hector), a Highland chief in the army of Montrose.—Sir W. Scott: Legend of Montrose (time, Charles I.).

Macleary (Widow), landlady of the Tully Veolan village ale-house.—Sir W. Scott: Waverley (time, George II.).

MacLeish (Donald), postilion to Mrs. Bethune Baliol.—Sir W. Scott: Highland Widow (time, George II.).

Macleod (Colin or Cawdie), a Scotchman, one of the house-servants of lord Abberville, entrusted with the financial department of his lordship’s household. Most strictly honest and economical, Colin Macleod is hated by his fellowservants, and, having been in the service of the family for many years, tries to check his young master on his road to ruin.

The object of the author in this character is “to weed out the unmanly prejudice of Englishmen against the Scotch,” as the object of The Few (another drama) was to weed out the prejudice of Christians against that muchmaligned people.—Cumberland: The Fashionable Lover (1780).

Macleuchar (Mrs.), book-keeper at the coach-office in Edinburgh.—Sir W. Scott: The Antiquary (time, George III.).