Chapter John of Hexham to Jose of J by Brewer's Readers Handbook

John of Hexham to Jose

John of Hexham, Johannês Hagustaldensis, a chronicler (twelfth century).

John of Leyden, John Bockhold or Boccold, a fanatic (1510–1536).

N.B.—In the opera, he is called “the prophet.” Being about to marry Bertha, three anabaptists meet him, and observe in him a strong likeness to a picture of David in Munster Cathedral. Having induced him to join the rebels, they take Munster, and crown him “Ruler of Westphalia.” His mother meets him while he is going in procession, but he disowns her; subsequently, however, he visits her in prison, and is forgiven. When the emperor arrives, the anabaptists fall off, and John, setting fire to the banquet-room of the palace, perishes with his mother in the flames.—Meyerbeer: Le Prophète (1849).

John with the Leaden Sword. The duke of Bedford, who acted as regent for Henry VI. in France, was so called by earl Douglas (surnamed Tine-man).

Johnny, the infant son of Mrs. Betty Higden’s “daughter’s daughter.” Mrs. Boffin wished to adopt the child, and to call him John Harmon, but it died. During its illness, Bella Wilfer went to see it, and the child murmured, “Who is the boofer lady?” The sick child was placed in the Children’s Hospital, and, just at the moment of death, gave his toys to a little boy with a broken leg in an adjoining bed, and sent “a kiss to the boofer lady.”—Dickens: Our Mutual Friend (1864).

Johnny Crapaud. A Frenchman was so called by English sailors in the time of Napoleon I. The Flemings called the French “Crapaud Franchos.” The allusion is to the toads borne in the ancient arms of France.

Johnson, in Albert Smith’s novel The Adventures of Mr. Ledbury (1844), a polished Bohemian, “good- natured, reckless, and witty.”

Johnson (John), in cantos vii., viii., of Don Juan, by Byron (1823).

In truth he was a noble fellow.

Johnson (Dr. Samuel), lexicographer, essayist, and poet (1709–1784).

I own I like not Johnson’s turgid style,
That gives an inch th’ importance of a mile;
Casts of manure a waggon-load around,
To raise a simple daisy from the ground;
Uplifts the club of Hercules—for what?
To crush a butterfly or brain a gnat;
Creates a whirlwind from the earth, to draw
A goose’s feather or exalt a straw;
Bids ocean labour with tremendous roar,
To heave a cockle-shell upon the shore.
Alike in every theme his pompous art,
Heaven’s awful thunder or a rumbling cart.
   —Peter Pindar [Dr. John Wolcot] (1816).

Johnstone (Auld Willie), an old fisherman, father to Peggy the laundrymaid at Woodburne.

Young Johnstone, his son.—Sir W. Scott: Guy Mannering (time, George II.).

Johnstone’s Tippet (St.), a halter; so called from Johnstone the hangman.

Joliffe, footman to lady Penfeather.—Sir W. Scott: St. Ronan’s Well (time, George III.).

Joliffe (Joceline), under-keeper of Woodstock Forest.—Sir W. Scott: Woodstock (time, Commonwealth).

Joliquet (Bibo), the garçon of the White Lion inn, held by Jerome Lesurques.—Stirling: The Courier of Lyons (1852).

Jollup (Sir Jacob), father of Mrs. Jerry Sneak and Mrs. Bruin. Jollup is the vulgar pomposo landlord of Garratt, who insists on being always addressed as “sir Jacob.”

Reg. Anan, sir.