E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Scanderbeg’s Sword must have Scanderbeg’s Arm—i.e.
None but Ulysses can draw Ulysses’ bow. Scanderbeg is a corruption of Iskander-beg (Alexander the Great), not the Macedonian, but George Castriota, Prince of Albania, so called by the Turks. Mahomet wanted to see his scimitar, but when presented no one could draw it; whereupon the Turkish emperor sent it back as an imposition; but Iskanderbeg replied, he had only sent his majesty the sword without sending the arm that drew it. (See ROBIN HOOD.)
