E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Spear of Ithuriel (The),
the slightest touch of which exposed deceit. Thus when Ithuriel touched with his spear Satan squatting like a toad close to the ear of Eve, the “toad” instantly resumed the form of Satan. (Milton: Paradise Lost, bk. iv. 810–814.)
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“The acute pen of Lord Halles, which, like Ithuriel’s spear, conjured so many shadows from Scottish history, dismissed among the rest those of Banquo and Fleance.”—Sir W. Scott.
