Shimʹei (2 syl.),

in Dryden’s satire of Absalom and Achitophel, is designed for Slingsby Bethel, the lord mayor.

“Shimei, whose youth did early promise bring,

Of zeal to God and hatred to his king;

Did wisely from expensive sins refrain,

And never broke the Sabbath but for gain.”

Part 1, lines 548–551.

· ·

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