E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hush’ai (2 syl.),
in Dryden’s satire of Absalom and Achitophel, is Hyde, Earl of Rochester. Hushai was David’s friend, who counteracted the counsels of Achitophel, and caused the plot of Absalom to miscarry; so Rochester defeated the schemes of Shaftesbury, and brought to nought the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth.
1
N.B. This was not John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, the wit.
