s killed. Four days afterwards there was another more
famous battle at AEscesdun ... and king AEthelred fought against the
two kings, and slew Bagsecg with his own hand.--E. A. Freeman, _Old
English History_ (1869); see Asser, _Life of Alfred_ (ninth century).

BASSA'NIO, the lover of Portia, successful in his choice of the three
caskets, which awarded her to him as wife. It was for Bassanio that
his friend Antonio borrowed 3000 ducats of the Jew Shylock, on the
strange condition that if he returned the loan within three months no
interest should be required, but if not, the Jew might claim a pound
of Antonio's flesh for forfeiture.--Shakespeare, _Merchant of Venice_
(1598).

BAS'SET _(Count)_, a swindler and forger, who assumes the title of
"count" to further his dishonest practices.--C. Cibber, _The Provoked
Husband_ (1728).

BASSIA'NUS, brother of Satur'nius emperor of Rome, in love with
Lavin'ia daughter of Titus Andron'icus (properly _Andronicus_). He
is stabbed by Deme'trius and Chiron, sons of Tam'ora queen of the
Goths.--(?) Shakespeare, _Titus Andronicus_ (1593).

BASSI'NO _(Count)_, the "perjured husband of Aurelia" slain by
Alonzo.--Mrs. Centlivre, _The Perjured Husband_ (1700).

BASSANIO, a youth of noble birth but crippled fortunes, whose desire
to win the hand of Portia, a rich heiress, is the moving spring of the
action of Shakespeare's _The Merchant of Venice_. Portia's father has
left three caskets, and has ordered in his will that his daughter is
to marry only the man who chooses the casket that holds her portrait.
That Bassanio may enter the list of Portia's suitors, his friend
Antonio borrows money of Shylock, a Jew, who, out of hatred to the
merchant, entraps him into pledging a pound of his flesh as surety for
the loan. Bassanio marries Portia, but misfortune overtakes Antonio,
he forfeits his bond, and his life is only saved by a quibble devised
by Portia.

BASTARD OF ORLEANS, in Shakespeare's _Henry VI_ Part 1, is Jean Dunois
a natural son of Louis of Orleans, brother of Charles VI.

BAT (_Dr_.), naturalist in Cooper's _Prairie_, who mistakes his ass at
night for a monster described in his note-book.

BATES (1 _syl_.), a soldier in the army of Henry V. He with Court and
Williams are sentinals before the English camp at Agincourt, and the
king disguised comes to them during the watch, and talks with them
respecting the impending battle,--Shakespeare, _Henry V_.

_Bates (Charley)_, gen