AMPHIS-BAENA, a reptile which could go head foremost either way, because it had a head at each extremity. Milton uses the word in _Paradise Lost_, x. 524. (Greek, _ampi baino_, "I go both ways.") The amphis-baena doubly armed appears, At either end a threatening head she rears. Rowe, _Pharsalia_, ix. 696, etc. (by Lucan). AMPHITRYON, a Theban general, husband of Alcme'nê (3 _syl._). While Amphitryon was absent at war with Pter'elas, king of the Tel'eboans, Jupiter assumed his form, and visited Alcmenê, who in due time became the mother of Her'culês. Next day Amphitryon returned, having slain Pterelas, and Alcmenê was surprised to see him so soon again. Here a great entanglement arose, Alcmenê telling her husband he visited her last night, and showing him the ring he gave her, and Amphitryon declaring he was with the army. This confusion is still further increased by his slave Sos'ia, who went to take to Alcmenê the news of victory, but was stopped at the door of the house by Mercury, who had assumed for the nonce Sosia's form, and the slave could not make out whether he was himself or not. This plot has been made a comedy by Plautus, Molière, and Dryden. The scenes which Plautus drew, to-night we show, Touched by Molière, by Dryden taught to glow. _Prologue to Hawksworth's version_. As an Amphitryon _chez qui l'on dine_, no one knows better than Ouidà the uses of a _recherché_ dinner.--E. Yates, _Celebrities_, xix. "_Amphitryon_": _Le véritable Amphitryon est l'Amphitryon où l'on dine_ ("The master of the feast is the master of the house"). While the confusion was at its height between the false and true Amphitryon, _Socie_ [Sosia] the slave is requested to decide which was which, and replied-- Je ne me trompois pas, messieurs; ce mot termine Toute l'irrésolution; Le véritable Amphitryon Est l'Amphitryon où l'on dine. Molière, _Amphitryon_, iii. 5 (1668). Demosthenes and Cicero Are doubtless stately names to hear, But that of good Amphitryon Sounds far more pleasant to my ear. M.A. Désaugiers (1772-1827). AMRAH, the faithful woman-servant of the household of Ben-Hur in Lew Wallace's novel, _Ben-Hur_. Through her heroic services, Judah, the son, finds the mother and sister from whom he has been so long separated (1880). AM'RI, in _Absalom and Achitophel_, by Dryden and Tate, is Heneage Finch, earl of Nottingham and lord chancellor. He is called "The Father of Equity" (1621-1682). To whom the double blessing did belong, With Moses' inspiration, Aaron's tongue. Part ii. AMUN'DEVILLE (_Lord Henry_), one of the "British privy council." After the sessions of parliament he retired to his country seat, where he entertained a select and numerous party, among which were the duchess of Fitz-Fulke, Aurora Raby, and don Juan, "the Russian envoy." His wife was lady Adeline. (His character is given in xiv. 70, 71.)--Byron, _Don Juan_, xiii. to end.