E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Lyre (The).
That of Terpander and Olympus had only three strings; the Scythian lyre had five; that of Simonids had eight; and that of Timotheus (3 syl.) had twelve. It was played either with the fingers or with a plectrum. The lyre is called by poets a “shell,” because the cords of the lyre used by Orpheus (2 syl.), Amphon, and Apollo, were stretched on the shell of a tortoise. Hercules used boxwood instead.
1
Amphi’on built Thebes with the music of his lyre, for the very stones moved of their own accord into walls and houses.
2
Ari’on charmed the dolphins by the music of his lyre, and when the bard was thrown overboard one of them carried him safely to Tæ’narus.
3
Hercules was taught music by Linus. One day, being reproved, the strong man broke the head of his master with his own lyre.
4
Orpheus charmed savage beasts, and even the infernal gods, with the music of his lyre.
s had eight; and that of Timotheus (3 syl.) had twelve. It was played either with the fingers or with a plectrum. The lyre is called by poets a “shell,” because the cords of the lyre used by Orpheus (2 syl.), Amph
on, and Apollo, were stretched on the shell of a tortoise. Hercules used boxwood instead.
