Historical clue formulations

• Tilter at windmills — 2009-08-24
• Whence the expression "mum's the word" — 2008-09-27
• Classic saga from which the expressions at 23-, 29-, 63-, 83-, 100-, 111- and 114-Across all originated — 2003-10-12
• Ballet based on a 1605 novel, by George — 1999-08-26
• Idealistic sort — 1998-08-14
• 1869 Minkus ballet — 1998-06-10
• Whence the phrase "to give the devil his due" — 1997-08-15
• Impractical idealist — 1994-04-06