Adriel,

in Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel, is meant for the Earl of Mulgrave.

“Sharp-judging Adriel, the musesʹ friend,

Himself a muse: in Sanbedrim’s debate

True to his prince, but not a slave of state;

Whom David’s love with honours did adorn,

That from his disobedient son were torn.”

Part I.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.