Chapter FERDINAND to Fiction of F by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Fernando [Florestan], a State prisoner of Seville, married to Leonora, who (in boy’s attire and u nder the name of Fidelio) became the servant of Rocco the jailer. Pizarro, governor of the jail, conceived a hatred to the State prisoner, and resolved to murder him, so Rocco and Leonora were sent to dig his grave. The arrival of the minister of state put an end to the infamous design, and Fernando was set at liberty.—Beethoven: Fidelio (1791).

Fernando, to whom Alfonzo XI. promised Leonora in marriage. (See Leonora.)—Donizetti: La Favorita (1842).

Ferney (The Patriarch of), Voltaire; so called because he lived in retirement at Ferney, near Geneva (1694–1778).

Ferquhard Day, the absentee from the clan Chattan at the combat.—Sir W. Scott: Fair Maid of Perth (time, Henry IV.).

Ferracute, a giant who had the strength of forty men, and was thirty-six feet high. He was slain by Orlando, who wounded him in the navel, his only vulnerable part.—Turpin: Chronicle of Charlemagne. (See Ferrau.)

Ferracute is the prototype of Pulci’s “Morgante,” in his heroi-comic poem entitled Morgante Maggiore (1494).

Ferragus, the Portuguese giant, who took Bellisant under his care after her divorce from Alexander emperor of Constantinople.—Valentine and Orson (fifteenth century).

My sire’s tall form might grace the part
Of Ferragus or Ascapart.
   —Sir W. Scott.

Ferrand de Vaudemont (Count), duc de Lorraine, son of René king of Provence. He first appears disguised as Laurence Neipperg.—Sir W. Scott: Anne of Geierstein (time, Edward IV.).

Ferrardo [Gonzaga], reigning duke of Mantua in the absence of his cousin Leonardo. He was a villain, and tried to prove Mariana (the bride of Leonardo) guilty of adultery. His scheme was this: He made Julian St. Pierre drunk with drugged wine, and in his sleep conveyed him to the duke’s bed, throwing his scarf under the bed of the duchess, which was in an adjoining chamber. He then revealed these proofs of guilt to his cousin Leonardo, but Leonardo refused to believe in his wife’s guilt, and Julian St. Pierre exposed the whole scheme of villainy, amply vindicating the innocence of Mariana, who turned out to be Julian’s sister.—Knowles: The Wife (1833).

Ferrau, a Saracen, son of Landfusa. Having dropped his helmet in a river, he vowed never to wear another till he won that worn by Orlando. Orlando slew him by a wound in the navel, his only vulnerable part.—Ariosto: Orlando Furioso (1516). (See Ferracute.)

Ferraugh (Sir), introduced in bk. iii. 8, but without a name, as carrying off the false Florimel from Braggadoccio. In bk. iv. 2 the name is given. He is there overthrown by sir Blandamour, who takes away with him the false Florimel, the lady of snow and wax.—Spenser: Faërie Queene (1590, 1596).

Ferret, an avaricious, mean-spirited slanderer, who blasts by innuendoes, and blights by hints and cautions. He hates young Heartall, and misinterprets all his generous acts, attributing his benevolence to hush- money. The rascal is at last-found out and foiled.—Cherry: The Soldier’s Daughter (1804).

Ferrex, eldest son of Gorboduc a legendary king of Britain. Being driven by his brother Porrex from the kingdom, he returned with a large army, but was defeated and slain by Porrex.—Gorboduc, a tragedy by Thom. Norton and Thom. Sackville (1561).

Ferumbras (Sir). (See Fierabras.)