E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Beppo.
The contraction of Giuseppe, and therefore equal to our Joe. Husband of Laura, a Venetian lady. He was taken captive in Troy, turned Turk, joined a band of pirates, grew rich, and, after several years’ absence, returned to his native land, where he discovered his wife at a carnival ball with her cavaliero servente. He made himself known to her, and they lived together again as man and wife. (Byron: Beppo.)
