Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1895 — FAMOUS NICKNAMES. [ARTICLE]

FAMOUS NICKNAMES.

Louis XV. of France was by his subjects nicknamed the Well Beloved in derision. HU death was welcomed with genuine enthusiasm by his people, who were tired of hU long reign and vices. Samuel Woodworth, the author of the “Old Oaken Bucket*’ and other poems, was called the American Goldsmith, on account of a resemblance in character to the author of the “Deserted Village.” Homer was called the Blind Bard, from his suposed infirmity. He has also been dubbed the Father of Poetry, the Swan of the Meander, the Prince of Poets and many other complimentary names. Ben Jonson was the Bricklayer, from his occupation. He was also designated Father Ben, Honest Ben, Old Ben, Rare Ben, Young Horace, the EnglUh Juvenal, the Father of Poets, the Soul of Numbers, and the English Coryphaeus.

Thomas Aquinas, on account of his skill In dialects and from his personal qualities, was nicknamed Dr. Angelica, the Dumb Ox, Eagle of Divines, Father of Moral Philosophy, the Fifth Doctor of the Church, and the Second Augustine. John Milton was called the British Homer, the English Mastiff, the Pedagogue, Samson Agonistes, Homer’s Rival, the Gospel Gun, and many others, arising mostly from the controversial character of his works or from his great poem. Shakspeare is called Bard of Avon, in allusion to the stream that flows by Stratford. He has also been called The Divine, English Terence, Fancy’s Child, Heir of Fame, The Matchless, Swan of Avon, Upstart Crow, and scores of other nicknames. Edward, the son of Edward 11., was called the Black Prince by his contemporaries; not, as is commonly supposed, from the color of his armor, but from the mercilessness with which he carried on his wars, and from the many crimes he is believed to have committed.