Robert Penfold. Hero of Foul Play, by Charles Reade. He is foully wronged by Arthur Wardlaw, who forges his father’s name on a note with Penfold’s endorsement. Penfold is found guilty and imprisoned. After his release, he takes passage in the ship with Helen Rolleston, Wardlaw’s betrothed. Penfold also loves her, but hopelessly. They are wrecked and cast upon an island in company, and for several months are the only residents. After their rescue and return home, the truth is made manifest, Robert is vindicated, and marries Helen. His aliases are James Seaton and John Hazel.
Robert the Devil, or Robert the Magnificent, Robert I., duke of Normandy, father of William “the Conqueror” (*, 1028-1035).
Robert François Damiens, who tried to assassinate Louis XV., was popularly so called (*, 1714-1757).
Robert of Lincoln. The saucy songster is an especial favorite with American poets. Bryant does not disdain to write a long poem that has him as the theme.
“Merrily singing on briar and reed,
Near to the nest of his little dame,
Over the mountain-side or mead,
Robert of Lincoln is telling his name:
‘Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link!
Spink, spank, spink!
Snug and safe is that nest of ours,
Hidden among the summer flowers,
Cha! cha! cha!’”
William Cullen Bryant, Poems.
Roberts, cash-keeper of Master George Heriot, the king’s goldsmith.—Sir W. Scott, Fortunes of Nigel (time, James I.).
Roberts (John), a smuggler.—Sir W. Scott, Redgauntlet (time, George III.).
Robespierre’s Weavers, the fish-fags and their rabble female followers of the very lowest class, partisans of Robespierre in the first French Revolution.
Robin, the page of Sir John Falstaff.—Shakespeare, Merry Wives of Windsor (1601).
Robin, servant of Captain Rovewell, whom he helps in his love adventure with Arethusa, daughter of Argus.—Carey, Contrivances (1715).