E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ancient Mariner.
Having shot an albatross, he and his companions were subjected to fearful penalties. On repentance he was forgiven, and on reaching land told his story to a hermit. At times, however, distress of mind drove him from land to land, and wherever he abode he told his tale of woe, to warn from cruelty and persuade men to love God’s creatures.—Coleridge.
