E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Lightning Preservers.
The most approved classical preservatives against lightning were the eagle, the sea-calf, and the laurel. Jupiter chose the first, Augustus Cæsar the second, and Tiberius the third. (Columella, x.; Sueton. in Vit. Aug., xc.; ditto in Vit. Tib., lxix.) (See HOUSE-LEEK.)
1
Bodies scathed and persons struck dead by lightning were said to be incorruptible; and anyone so distinguished was held by the ancients in great honour. (J.C. Bullenger: De Terræ Motu, etc., v. 11.)
