E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Phyllis and Brunetta.
Rivalbeauties who for a long time vied with each other on equal terms. For a certain festival Phyllis procured some marvellous fabric of gold brocade to outshine her rival; but Brunetta dressed the slave who bore her train in the same material, clothing herself in simple black. Upon this crushing mortification Phyllis went home and died. (Spectator.)
