Ver´olame (3 syl.) or Verulam, “a stately nymph” of Isis. Seeing her stream besmeared with the blood of St. Alban, she prayed that it might be diverted into another channel, and her prayer was granted. The place where St. Alban was executed was at that time called Holmhurst.--Robert of Gloucester. Chronicle (in verse), 57 (thirteenth century).
⁂ A poetical account of this legend is also given by W. Browne in his Britannia’s Pastorals, iv (1613).
Veron´ica, the maiden who handed her handkerchief to Jesus on His way to Calvary. The “Man of Sorrows” wiped His face with it, returned it to the maiden, and it ever after had a perfect likeness of the Saviour photographed on it. The handkerchief and the maiden were both called Veronica (i.e., vera iconica, “the true likeness”).
⁂ One of these handkerchiefs is preserved in St. Peter’s of Rome, and another in Milan Cathedral.
Verrina, the republican who murders Fiesco.--Schiller, Fiesco (1783).
Versatile (Sir George), a scholar, pleasing in manners, warm-hearted, generous, with the seeds of virtue and the soul of honor, but being deficient in stability, he takes his color, like the chameleon, from the objects at hand. Thus, with Maria Delaval, he is manly, frank, affectionate, and noble; with Lord Vibrate, hesitating, undecided, and tossed with doubts; with Lady Vibrate, boisterously gay, extravagant, and light-hearted. Sir George is betrothed to Maria Delaval, but the death of his father delays the marriage. He travels, and gives a fling to youthful indulgences. After a time, he meets Maria Delaval by accident, his better nature prevails, and he offers her his hand, his heart, his title, and his fortune.--Holcroft, He’s Much to Blame (1790).
Vertaigne (2 or 3 syl.), a nobleman and judge, father of Lamīra and Beaupré.--Beaumont and Fletcher, The Little French Lawyer (1647).
Vesey (Sir John), a baronet, most worldly wise, and, being poor, gives himself the nickname of “Stingy Jack,” that he may be thought rich. Forthwith his £10,000 was exaggerated into £40,000. Sir John wanted his daughter to marry Alfred Evelyn, but feeling very uncertain about the stability of the young man’s money, shilly-shallied about it; and in the mean time, Georgina married Sir Frederick Blount, and Evelyn was left free to marry Clara Douglas, whom he greatly loved.--Lord L. Bulwer Lytton, Money (1840).
Vestris, called “The God of Dancing,” used to say, “Europe contains only three truly great men--myself, Voltaire, and Frederick of Prussia” (1729-1808).
Vesuvian Bay: