E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ne’ro.
Emperor of Rome. Some say he set fire to Rome to see “how Troy would look when it was in flames;” others say he forbade the flames to be put out, and went to a high tower, where he sang verses to his lute “Upon the Burning of Old Troy.”
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A Nero. Any bloody-minded man, relentless tyrant, or evil-doer of extra-ordinary savagery.
