fidus Achates

He showed much activity in the Great Rebellion, raised a troop of horse for Essex, fought at Edgehill, commanded in the West under Waller, being nicknamed his fidus Achates, and distinguished himself at the head of his cuirassiers, “The Lobsters,” at Lansdown on the 5th of July 1643, at Roundway Down on the 13th of July, at both of which battles he was wounded, and at Cheriton, March 29th 1644.

It was his custom in his declining years to walk after breakfast in the garden quad, and whenever there were evidences of a rag, even to the extent of broken windows, he would say cheerily to his fidus Achates, "Ah, Hardie, the mind of the college is still vigorous; it has been expressing itself."

Swett, it may be remarked, was the Fidus Achates of David Davis at all times.

Dave, you are my "fidus Achates," my other self, my chum, or I would not say a word to you of this.

Achates, �-kā′tes, n. trusty comrade, from the 'fidus Achates' of Virgil's �neid—the constant companion of �neas in his wanderings after the fall of Troy.