| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Covetous Man. | | |
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A Tantalus (q.v.). | 1 |
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| “In the full flood stands Tan’talus, his skin |
| Washed o’er in vain, for ever dry within. |
| He catches at the stream with greedy lips— |
| From his parched mouth the wanton torrent slips… |
| Change but the name, this fable is thy story: |
| Thou in a flood of useless wealth dost glory, |
| Which thou canst only touch, but never taste.” | |
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Cowley: Horace, satire i. |
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