E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Thorns.
Calvin (Admonitio de Reliquiis) gives a long list of places claiming to possess one or more of the thorns which composed the Saviour’s crown. To his list may be added Glastonbury Abbey, where was also the spear of Longius or Longinus, and some of the Virgin’s milk.
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The thorns of Dauphiné will never prick unless they prick the first day. This proverb is applied to natural talent. If talent does not show itself early, it will never do so—the truth of which application is very doubtful indeed.
