Leonora de Guzman, the “favorite” of Alfonzo XI., of Castile. Fernando[Fernando], not knowing that she was the king’s mistress, fell in love with her; and Alfonzo, to reward Fernando’s services, gave her to him in marriage. No sooner was this done, than the bridegroom learned the character of his bride, rejected her with scorn, and became a monk. Leonora became a noviciate in the same convent, obtained her husband’s forgiveness, and died.—Donizetti, La Favorita (an opera, 1842).
Leon´tes (3 syl.), king of Sicily. He invited his old friend Polixenês, king of Bohemia, to come and stay with him, but became so jealous of him that he commanded Camillo to poison him. Instead of doing so, Camillo warned Polixenês of his danger, and fled with him to Bohemia. The rage of Leontês was now unbounded, and he cast his wife Hermionê into prison, where she gave birth to a daughter. The king ordered the infant to be cast out on a desert shore, and then brought his wife to a public trial. Hermionê fainted in court, the king had her removed, and Paulina soon came to announce that the queen was dead. Ultimately, the infant daughter was discovered under the name of Perdĭta, and was married to Florizel, the son of Polixenês. Hermionê was also discovered to the king in a tableau vivant, and the joy of Leontês was complete.—Shakespeare, The Winter’s Tale (1604).
Leon´tius, a brave but merry old soldier.—Beaumont and Fletcher, The Humorous Lieutenant (1647).
Le´opold, a sea-captain, enamoured of Hippol´yta, a rich lady, wantonly in love with Arnoldo. Arnoldo, however, is contracted to the chaste Zeno´cia, who is basely pursued by the governor, Count Clodio.—Beaumont and Fletcher, The Custom of the Country (1647).
Leopold, archduke of Austria, a crusader who arrested Richard I. on his way home from the Holy Land.—Sir W. Scott, The Talisman (time, Richard I.).
Leopold, nicknamed Peu-à-peu by George IV. Stein, speaking of Leopold’s vacillating conduct in reference to the Greek throne, says of him: “He has no color,” i.e., no fixed plan of his own, but only reflects the color of those around him; in other words, he is “blown about by every wind.”
Lepol´emo (The Exploits and Adventures of), part of the series called Le Roman des Romans, pertaining to “Amadis, of Gaul.” This part was added by Pedro de Lujan.
Leporello, in The Libertine, by Shadwell (1676).
The following advertisement from Liston appeared in June, 1817:—
“My benefit takes place this evening at Covent Garden Theatre, and I doubt not will be splendidly attended.... I shall perform ‘Fogrun,’ in The Slave, and ‘Leporello’ in The Libertine. In the delineation of these arduous characters I shall display much feeling and discrimination, together with great taste in my dresses, and elegance of manner. The audiences will be delighted, and will testify their approbation by rapturous applause. When, in addition to my professional merits, regard is had to the loveliness of my person and the fascination of my face, ... there can be no doubt that this announcement will receive the attention it deserves.”—J. Liston.