E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Isme’n (3 syl.)
Daughter of Œ’dipus and Jocasta. Antig’one was buried alive by the order of King Creon, for burying her brother Polyni’cs, slain in combat by his brother Ete’ocls. Isme’n declared that she had aided her sister, and requested to be allowed to share the same punishment.
1
Isme’n. The lady-love of Isme’nias, in the erotic romance of Eustathius or Eumathius entitled Ismene and Ismenias (twelfth century). Translated by God-frey of Viterbo. Especially noteworthy from its being reproduced in the Confessio Amantis of Gower, and forming the plot of Shakespeare’s Pericles.
(3 syl.)
