English poet and dramatist known for his contributions to prose dialogue in English comedy. Lyly's most famous work, Euphues, resulted in Euphuism, a style of English prose characterized by its ornate language, excessive use of literary devices, and displays of classical knowledge.

An English poet associated for most of his life with the Benedictine Abbey at Bury St Edmunds. He deeply admired Geoffrey Chaucer, and many of his works show that influence. He authored The Complaint of the Black Knight; The Temple of Glas; The Floure of Curtesy; Reson and Sensuallyte; The Life of Our Lady; Troy Book; The Siege of Thebes; The Serpent of Division; The Pilgrimage of the Life of Man; The Dance of Death; Fall of Princes; The Lives of Saints Edmund and Fremund (1433); The Lives of Saint Albon and Saint Amphabel; Secrees of the Old Philosoffres; and The Testament of Lydgate.

A Spartan political figure, said to have founded the institutions of ancient Sparta, possibly around the ninth- or eighth-century B.C., though scholars are unable to conclusively determine whether he is a historical or purely legendary figure. Included in the laws he is credited with is a provision that newlyweds meet by night in the manner of secret lovers so as to preserve the husband from exhaustion due to excessive lovemaking.

The German theologian whose challenges to church practice formed the foundation of the Protestant Reformation.

English magistrate, member of the House of Commons, and squire. Lucy is most remembered for his conflicts with young William Shakespeare, the latter having been said to have poached deer from the property of the former. Lucy is thought to be the inspiration for the comically vain character of Justice Shallow from Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 2.

See Apuleius, Lucius.

Lucas authored a number of theological works, the most famous being An Enquiry after Happiness, the first volume of which appeared in 1685, and Practical Christianity (1677).

Character in Samuel Richardson's Clarissa (1747-9).

Cavalier poet and Royalist soldier during the English Civil War. His most notable works include "To Althea, from Prison" and "To Lucasta, Going to the Warres."

Character in Samuel Richardson's Clarissa (1747-9). A deceptively attractive but vicious seducer and rapist, Lovelace became a byword for a licentious and predatory aristocrat.