E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Belphœbe,
meant for Queen Elizabeth. She was sister of Am’oret. Equally chaste, but of the Diana and Minerva type. Cold as an icicle, passionless, immovable. She is a white flower without perfume, and her only tender passion is that of chivalry. Like a moonbeam, she is light without warmth. You admire her as you admire a marble statue. (Spenser: Faërie Queene, book iii.)
