Classics Retold

A fig for such love is an idiom meaning the love is worthless or insignificant, akin to "I don't care a fig." It historically signifies the contempt for empty, fruitless or insincere affection - much like a tree with leaves but no fruits. It is shallow show rather than true devotion. A famous line in Shakespeare's Othello (Act 1 scene 3) spoken by Iago, the villain "Virtue? A fig?" Here he dismisses the idea that morality or goodness controls our destiny. Derived from an old expression where a fig implies worthlessness, it had been used in literature to express disdain.  Imagery of fig tree with only leaves represents the lack of expected results.  "Strangler fig" means taking resources without giving back. 

A play on words related to fencing terminology, highlighting a contrast between strength and weakness. It refers to an interaction between the strongest part of a sword blade located near the hilt and weakest part of the blade (foible) located from the middle to top.  When the forte of the blade meets the foible of another, the fencer with forte has a distinct advantage, as they can easily control or parry the weaker portion of the opponent's blade.  It is a metaphor that represents powerful force or argument or individual overcoming a weak, inadequate or shaky one. 

A pleasant shady and rustic shelter in a garden or wood, typically formed by trees, shrubs, or climbing plants trained over a framework.  It is a leafy, private, romantic resting spot. It can also refer to a cottage, a lady's bedroom in mediaeval literature or a card in the game of auchre.  Synonyms Arbour : A shady garden alcove  Pergola: A structure over path with climbing plants. Shelter: A shaded, protected spot.  The term derives from Old English būr meaning a dwelling room or a chamber. 

A 19th century carrier Spring Wagon was a versatile four wheeler horse-drawn vehicle designed for transporting both goods and passengers.  Often described as pockup truck or delivery van of its era these vehicles featured a square box, a canvas type canopy, and were suspended on a platform springs for smoother ride.  They were heavily used by farmers and for commercial delivery throughout 19th century. 

A week passed and there was no tidings of Bathsheba. Nor was there any explanation of her  Gilpin's Rig .  Then a note came for Maryann, stating that the business which had called her mistress to Bath still detained her there; but she hoped to return in the course of another week.  Another week passed.  The oat-harvest began, and all the men were in the field under monochromatic  Lammas  sky amid the trembling air and short shadows of noon.  Indoors nothing was to be heard save the droning of blue-bottle flies; out of doors the whetting of scythes and the hiss of tressy oat-ears rubbing together as their perpendicular stalks of amber-yellow fell heavily to each swath. Every drop of moisture in the form of cider was raining as perspiration from their heads and cheeks. Drought was everywhere else.  They withdrew for a while into the shade of a tree in the fence.  Coggan saw a figure in blue coat and brass buttons running to them across the fiel...

Whit Tuesday or WitsunTuesday is a Christian holiday observed on Tuesday after Pentecost Sunday, 51 days after Easter, and the day following whit Monday.  It is traditionally celebrated in various European countries, including parts of Germany, with church services and historical traditions. In England this time is associated with wakes week and fairs.