John of Hexham, Johannes Hagustaldensis, a chronicler (twelfth century).
John of Leyden, John Bockhold or Boccold, a fanatic (1510-1536).
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.”—C. 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.
John Ridd, herculean hero of Exmoor, and lover of Lorna Doone. By various exploits, he achieves knighthood, and marries Lorna.—R. D. Blackmore, Lorna Doone.
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: