Chapter Frankford to Friars of F by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Frederick, the unnatural and licentious brother of Alphonso king of Naples, whose kingdom he usurped. He tried in vain to seduce Evanthê , the wife of Valerio. (For the sequel, see Evanthe, p. 347.)—Fletcher: A Wife for a Month (1624).

Frederick (Don), a Portuguese merchant, the friend of don Felix.—Mrs. Centlivre: The Wonder (1714).

Frederick the Great in Flight. In 1741 was the battle of Molwitz, in which the Prussians carried the day, and the Austrians fled; but Frederick, who commanded the cavalry, was put to flight early in the action, and thinking that all was lost, fled with his staff many miles from the scene of action.

Frederick the Great from Molwitz deigned to run.
   —Byron: Don Juan, viii. 22 (1824).

Freeborn John, John Lilburne, the republican (1613–1657).

Freehold, a grumpy, rusty, but softhearted old gentleman farmer, who hates all new-fangled notions, and detests “men of fashion.” He lives in his farm-house with his niece and daughter.

Aura Freehold, daughter of Freehold. A pretty, courageous, high-spirited lass, who wins the heart of Modely, a man of the world and a libertine.—F. P. Kemble: The Farm-house.

Freelove (Lady), aunt to Harriot [Russet]. A woman of the world, “as mischievous as a monkey, and as cunning too” (act i. sc. 1).—Colman: The Fealous Wife (1761).

Freeman (Charles), the friend of Lovel, whom he assists in exposing the extravagance of his servants.—Townley: High Life Below Stairs (1759).

Freeman (Sir Charles), brother of Mrs. Sullen and friend of Aimwell.—Farquhar: The Beaux’ Stratagem (1705).

Freeman (Mrs.), a name assumed by the duchess of Marlborough in her correspondence with queen Anne, who called herself “Mrs. Morley.”

Freemason (The lady), the Hon. Miss Elizabeth St. Leger (afterwards Mrs. Aldworth), daughter of Arthur lord Doneraile. In order to witness the proceedings of a lodge held in her father’s house, she hid herself in an empty clockcase; but, being discovered, she was compelled to become a member of the craft.

Freemasons’ Buildings. St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, in 604, and St. Peter’s, Westminster, in 605, were both built by freemasons. Gundulph bishop of Rochester, who built White Tower, was a grand- master; so was Peter of Colechurch, architect of Old London Bridge. Henry VII.’s Chapel, Westminster, is the work of a master mason. Sir Thomas Gresham, who planned the Royal Exchange, was also a master mason; so were Inigo Jones and sir Christopher Wren. Covent Garden Theatre was founded, in 1808, by the prince of Wales, in his capacity of grandmaster.

Freeport (Sir Andrew), a London merchant, industrious, generous, and of sound good sense. He was one of the members of the hypothetical club under whose auspices the Spectator was enterprised.

Freiherr von Güttingen, having collected the poor of his neighbourhood in a great barn, burnt them to death, and mocked their cries of agony. Being invaded by a swarm of mice, he shut himself up in his castle of Güttingen, in the lake of Constance; but the vermin pursued him, and devoured him alive. The castle then sank in the lake, and “if not gone, may still be seen there.” (See Hatto.)

Freischütz (Der), a legendary German archer, in league with the devil. The devil gave him seven balls, six of which were to hit with a certainty any mark he aimed at; but the seventh was to be directed according to the will of the giver.—Weber: Der Freischütz (1822).