Chapter BERTRAM to Betrothed of B by Brewer's Readers Handbook

BERTRAM to Betrothed

BERTRAM (Baron), one of Charlemagne’s paladins.

Bertram, count of Rousillon. While on a vis it to the king of France, Helena, a physician’s daughter, cured the king of a disorder which had baffled the court physicians. For this service the king promised her for husband any one she chose to select, and her choice fell on Bertram. The haughty count married her, it is true, but deserted her at once, and left for Florence, where he joined the duke’s army. It so happened that Helena also stopped at Florence while on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Jacques le Grand. In Florence she lodged with a widow whose daughter Diana was wantonly loved by Bertram. Helena obtained permission to receive his visits in lieu of Diana, and in one of these visits exchanged rings with him. Soon after this the count went on a visit to his mother, where he saw the king, and the king observing on his finger the ring he had given to Helena, had him arrested on the suspicion of murder. Helena now came forward to explain matters, and all was well, for all ended well.—Shakespeare: All’s Well that Ends Well (1598).

I cannot reconcile my heart to “Bertram,” a man noble without generosity, and young without truth; who marries Helena as a coward, and leaves her as a profligate. When she is dead by his unkindness he sneaks home to a second marriage, is accused by a woman whom he has wronged, defends himself by falsehood, and is dismissed to happiness.—Dr. Johnson.

Bertram (Sir Stephen), an austere merchant, very just but not generous. Fearing lest his son should marry the sister of his clerk (Charles Ratcliffe), he dismissed Ratcliffe from his service, and being then informed that the marriage had been already consummated, he disinherited his son. Sheva the Jew assured him that the lady had £10,000 for her fortune, so he relented. At the last all parties were satisfied.

Frederick Bertram, only son of sir Stephen; he marries Miss Ratcliffe clandestinely, and incurs thereby his father’s displeasure, but the noble benevolence of Sheva the Jew brings about a reconciliation, and opens sir Bertram’s eyes to “see ten thousand merits,” a grace for every pound.—Cumberland: The Few (1776).

Bertram (Count), an outlaw, who becomes the leader of a band of robbers. Being wrecked on the coast of Sicily, he is conveyed to the castle of lady Imogine, and in her he recognizes an old sweetheart to whom in his prosperous days he was greatly attached. Her husband (St. Aldobrand), who was away at first, returning unexpectedly, is murdered by Bertram; Imogine goes mad and dies; and Bertram puts an end to his own life.—C. Maturin: Bertram (a tragedy, 1816).

Bertram (Mr. Godfrey), the laird of Ellangowan.

Mrs. Bertram, his wife.

Harry Bertram, alias captain. Vanbeest Brown, alias Dawson alias Dudley, son of the laird, and heir to Ellangowan. Harry Bertram is in love with Julia Mannering, and the novel concludes with his taking possession of the old house at Ellangowan and marrying Julia.

Lucy Bertram, sister of Harry Bertram. She marries Charles Hazlewood, son of sir Robert Hazlewood, of Hazlewood.

Sir Allen Bertram, of Ellangowan, an ancestor of Mr. Godfrey Bertram.

Denis Bertram, Donohoe Bertram, and Lewis Bertram, ancestors of Mr. Godfrey Bertram.

Captain Andrew Bertram, a relative of the family.—Sir W. Scott: Guy Mannering (time, George II.).

Bertram, the English minstrel, and guide of lady Augusta Berkely. When in disguise, the lady Augusta calls herself Augustine, the minstrel’s son.—Sir W. Scott: Castle Dangerous (time, Henry I.).