Leonardo

[ Gonzaga ], duke of Mantua, travelling in Switzerland, an avalanche fell on him, and he was nursed through a severe illne by Mariana, the daughter of a Swi burgher and they fell in love with each other. On his return home he was entrapped by brigands, and kept prisoner for two years. Mariana, seeking him, went to Mantua, where Count Florio fell in love with her, and obtained her guardian’s consent to their union; but Mariana refused to comply. The case was referred to the duke (Ferrardo), who gave judgment in favor of the count. Leonardo happened to be present, and throwing off his disguise, a umed his rank as duke, and married Mariana; but being called away to the camp, left Ferrardo regent. Ferrardo laid a most villainous scheme to prove Mariana guilty of adultery with Julian St. Pierre; but Leonardo refused to credit her guilt. Julian turned out to be her brother, exposed the whole plot, and amply vindicated Mariana of the slightest slightest indiscretion.—S. Knowles, The Wife (1833).