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Issachar
in Dryden's satire of Absalom and Achitophel, means
Thomas Thynne, of Longleate Hall, a friend of the Duke of Monmouth.
Thynne was assassinated in his carriage, in Pall Mall, by ruffians
hired by Count Koningsmark. The cause of the murder was jealousy. Both
Mr. Thynne and the count were in love with Lady Elizabeth Percy, the
widow of the Earl of Ogle. Her friends contracted her to the rich
commoner, but before the match was consummated Mr. Thynne was murdered.
Within three months the lady married the Duke of Somerset. (See
Mohun.)
Issachar's ears.
Ass's ears. The allusion is to Gen. xlix. 14: “Issachar is a strong
ass crouching down between two burdens.”
Is't possible that you, whose ears
Are of the tribe of Issachar's ...
Should yet be deaf against a noise
So roaring as the public voice?
S. Butler: Hudibras to Sidrophel.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Issachar from Infoplease:
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